Trump’s Mall Of America Eid Clip Sparks Racist Firestorm In Minnesota
President Donald Trump late Sunday shared a short video of mostly Muslim shoppers at the Mall of America, and Minnesota civil-rights leaders quickly blasted it as racist. The clips pair ordinary family scenes with moody music and repeat a baseless claim about shoppers’ welfare status. In a state where the Somali community is large and highly visible, advocacy groups warn the resurfaced footage could help fuel harassment and bias.
What’s in the Clip
The 17-second video was filmed during an Eid celebration at Mall of America in 2019 and shows crowds, many wearing hijabs, moving through Nickelodeon Universe, according to Star Tribune. The outlet reports Trump initially posted the video without a caption, then later boosted a user comment that claimed, “This is literally the ‘Mall of America’ in Minnesota. 85% of these people are on welfare, [by the way].” The same footage has circulated online before, the paper notes.
CAIR: ‘This Is Ordinary Life’
The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the posts as part of what it called a pattern of “racist and dehumanizing rhetoric targeting Somali Americans and Muslims,” according to CAIR-MN. Executive Director Jaylani Hussein said, “What the video shows is ordinary life.” The group warned that hateful comments about Somali people have often been followed by increases in harassment, threats and bias incidents, and urged political and community leaders to publicly push back on the posts.
Mall of America Confirms Eid Footage
Mall of America confirmed the clip was shot during one of its Eid holiday celebrations in 2019 and said it “welcomes millions of guests from all backgrounds” and wants them to “feel safe, respected and included,” as reported by Star Tribune. The statement underlines that the video captures a cultural and religious event, not proof of the welfare claims that appeared alongside it. The mall added that it aims to be a place where visitors can connect and create memories.
Why Minnesota Leaders Are Alarmed
Advocates say the posts land at a time of heightened targeting of Somali Minnesotans. ABC News reported that the administration moved to end Temporary Protected Status for Somalis earlier this year and noted that the president has repeatedly criticized the community. Local leaders say that mix of official policy moves and inflammatory social media posts raises the risk that online smears will spill over into real-world threats.
What Activists Want Next
CAIR-MN is calling on officials and community leaders to condemn the posts and refuse to legitimize unfounded claims that single out a religious group, according to CAIR-MN. Local Somali and Muslim leaders are pressing for stronger public rebukes to help prevent threats and bias from spreading in neighborhoods and workplaces. For now, Mall of America says it will continue hosting cultural events while community groups watch closely for any fallout from the resurfaced footage.
