Trump compares Democrats to Somalia in shutdown spat

Washington (Somalia Today) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday compared the Democratic Party to Somalia, citing what he called a “lack of leadership” as he sharpened his rhetoric during a tense federal government shutdown, and warned of permanent cuts to the federal workforce.

The comments, made at a White House press conference with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, added volatility to already stalled negotiations.

“The Democrats have no leader. They remind me of Somalia,” Trump told reporters, claiming he had been receiving calls from Democrats but did not recognize their names.

The comparison to Somalia was part of a broader attack on his political opponents as the partial shutdown entered its seventh day. Trump also singled out Representative Ilhan Omar, a Somali American Democrat from Minnesota, and a frequent target of his criticism.

He recounted a past rally anecdote, saying he once asked Somalia’s president to “take her back.” The remark, aimed at a specific lawmaker, underscored the partisan divide complicating any resolution to the funding impasse.

Shutdown stalemate and threats

At the center of the shutdown is a standoff over extending pandemic-era health insurance subsidies that affect millions of Americans.

As talks remain frozen, Trump warned of far-reaching consequences for federal employees, suggesting the crisis could be used to permanently shrink the government workforce.

“We have many things that we’re going to eliminate, and permanently eliminate,” he said, adding that he might specify the number of job cuts within days if the shutdown continues.

He also suggested some furloughed employees might not receive back pay, arguing there are “people that really don’t deserve to be taken care of” once the government reopens.

Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the lead Democratic negotiator, has kept his caucus largely together in pushing for an extension of the health care credits, which are set to expire on December 31.

Despite Trump’s claims of chaos among Democrats, Schumer has lost only three senators on procedural votes tied to the shutdown. His office did not immediately respond to Trump’s latest comments.

Conflicting signals on a potential deal

Trump’s remarks Tuesday contrasted with a more conciliatory tone a day earlier.

On Monday, he floated the possibility of a broader, health care-focused deal with Democrats. “We have a negotiation going on right now with the Democrats that could lead to very good things,” he said.

The mixed signals have left lawmakers uncertain about the path forward. Some Republicans have urged a short-term spending bill amid mounting pressure from across the political spectrum.

In an unusual move, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Trump’s staunchest allies, publicly called for extending the subsidies, citing the effect on her own family’s insurance premiums, according to the Associated Press.

As the shutdown drags on, the question is whether negotiators can close the gap between the White House’s shifting stance and Democrats’ firm position on health care funding.

For now, Trump’s comparison of Democrats to Somalia has deepened partisan tensions, making a quick resolution appear unlikely.