Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey defends Somali community

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised Somali migrants during a Somali Networking Night event, describing them as the ‘CEOs of the future’ and ‘entrepreneurs of right now.’ Frey stated that the community’s economic and entrepreneurial contributions are a reason they have faced criticism.

Frey addressed previous federal scrutiny, noting that the Trump administration had targeted the Somali community. He argued that the focus on the community was a reaction to the economic growth they are fostering, stating, ‘The CEOs of the future are not all gonna look like me. The CEOs of the future are going to be from a thousand different backgrounds.’

These comments follow previous allegations regarding the misuse of taxpayer funds. Former President Donald Trump had previously claimed that Somali migrants were responsible for significant fraud, suggesting that his administration would cut funds to address corruption in states including Minnesota.