This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
After President Donald Trump called U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., "garbage" at a Tuesday Cabinet meeting, various media representatives have asked the congresswoman about his remarks.
One reporter caught up with Omar on Capitol Hill as she waited for an elevator, asking the Somalia native, "Have you begun packing your bags for Somalia?"
Addressing the recent scandal in Omar's home state involving the stealing of at least $1 billion in taxpayer funds to benefit Somalis both here and in Africa, Trump remark, "I don't want 'em in our country, I'll be honest with you.
"Somebody will say, 'Oh that's not politically correct.' I don't care. I don't want 'em in our country. Their country's no good for a reason. Their country stinks. … I could say that about other countries too."
Trump added, "We're gonna go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage to our country. Ilhan Omar is garbage. She's garbage. Her friends are garbage."
The video from activist Laura Loomer has Omar responding, "I'm not going anywhere. … I'll be here longer than Trump!
"He's an old man losing his mind," said said, adding, "Hope he gets help."
WATCH:
Omar told MS NOW that Trump was "racist, a bigot, xenophobic and Islamophobic."
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
MyPillow founder and staunch Donald Trump supporter Mike Lindell filed paperwork Wednesday to run for governor of his home state, Minnesota.
"I'm 98 percent sure I'm going to," Lindell said in an interview Wednesday, according to an MPR report. The businessman said he wasn't making a formal declaration just yet, but that it likely would occur by Dec. 11.
Lindell, 64, was active in disputing the 2020 presidential race results, insisting there was coordinated vote fraud that handed the White House to Democrat Joe Biden. The pillow pitchman held conferences with computer and voting experts that explored 2020 election fraud.
In September, a federal judge in Minnesota ruled that Lindell defamed the election technology company Smartmatic with false statements about the 2020 election.
According to MPR, Lindell would make a dozen Republicans trying to unseat Democratic Gov. Tim Walz in 2026. A GOP nominee could be chosen in an August primary if a state convention endorsement doesn't clear the field in May.
Democrats wasted no time slamming Lindell after the filing, some calling him a "sleazy businessman" with an extreme agenda.
"His entrance into the race is a bitter pill-ow for Minnesota Republicans to swallow," Democratic Governors Association spokesperson Izzi Levy said in a written statement.
Hold onto your hats, folks—Indiana House Republicans are charging full steam ahead with a bold plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts in a way that could lock in a serious advantage for the GOP.
At the heart of this brewing political storm, the Indiana House has rolled out a draft map that heavily favors Republicans across all nine districts, potentially netting them two more U.S. House seats while facing pushback from within their own party in the state Senate.
This redistricting effort kicked off with a draft map released on Monday, designed to reshape the political landscape ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
The proposed map takes direct aim at Democratic strongholds, particularly by carving up the Indianapolis-based district of Rep. André Carson into four segments that stretch into rural, Republican-friendly territory.
Similarly, the northwest Indiana district of Rep. Frank Mrvan gets splintered into several GOP-leaning areas, a move that could make his reelection bid a steep uphill climb.
Let’s not mince words—this map isn’t just a tweak; it’s a calculated play to dilute Democratic influence in a state where the GOP already holds significant power.
Adding fuel to the fire, both President Donald Trump and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun have thrown their weight behind this mid-decade redistricting effort, urging swift action to secure a stronger Republican grip on Congress.
Trump didn’t hold back, declaring on Nov. 17, “We must keep the Majority at all costs,” in a pointed message to Indiana lawmakers who might dare to dissent (Trump, Nov. 17 post).
That’s classic Trump—blunt and unapologetic—but it’s hard to ignore the pressure this puts on state legislators to toe the party line, even if the timing feels a bit rushed to some.
Yet, not all Republicans are on board, as Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray has publicly questioned the wisdom of a mid-decade redraw, hinting at a possible roadblock in the Senate despite the GOP’s commanding 40-50 majority.
Bray has warned, “the effort could die in his chamber,” a statement that underscores a rare fracture within Republican ranks on an issue this consequential (Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray).
That kind of pushback is a reminder that even in red states, not every conservative is eager to redraw lines just because the opportunity presents itself.
Meanwhile, outside the legislative chambers, Turning Point Action, tied to Turning Point USA, is ramping up the heat with a rally planned for Friday to nudge the state Senate into approving the map.
On the flip side, if this plan does pass, Indiana would join a handful of other Republican-leaning states like Texas and North Carolina in redrawing maps mid-decade, all of which have faced legal scrutiny—hinting at potential courtroom battles ahead.
Throw in the fact that Democrats might gain ground through redistricting in states like California and Utah, and it’s clear this isn’t just an Indiana fight—it’s part of a broader national chess game where every move counts.
Hold onto your hats, folks—President Donald Trump is turning up the heat on Indiana Republicans to redraw the state’s congressional map in a bold bid to lock in GOP dominance.
The Hoosier State’s legislature is back in session to tackle redistricting, driven by Trump’s insistence on securing a stronger Republican foothold ahead of the 2026 midterms as part of a nationwide clash over district boundaries, Fox News reported.
This isn’t just a local skirmish; Indiana has emerged as a key battleground in the national redistricting war, where both Republicans and Democrats are scrambling to shape the political landscape for the upcoming elections.
A few weeks back, Republican Senate leader Rodric Bray signaled there wasn’t enough support in his chamber to push forward with new maps, seemingly putting the brakes on the plan.
Trump, never one to sit idly by, fired back with threats of primary challenges for any GOP lawmaker dragging their feet on this issue, making it clear he means business.
Soon after, Bray announced the Senate would reconvene on Dec. 8 as part of the 2026 regular session to review any redistricting proposals passed by the House, showing how quickly the tide can turn under presidential pressure.
Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled Indiana House, led by Speaker Todd Huston, isn’t wasting any time, kicking off the 2026 regular session on Dec. 1 to dive into legislative business, including the contentious map redraw.
Huston confirmed the agenda, stating, “House Republicans will gavel in on Monday, Dec. 1, reconvening the 2026 regular session,” signaling a full-steam-ahead approach to Trump’s priorities.
Let’s be honest—when the House moves this fast, it’s not just about maps; it’s about sending a message that they’re ready to fight for every inch of Republican ground in Congress.
The proposed congressional map for Indiana would tip the scales further in the GOP’s favor by creating an additional Republican-leaning district, potentially flipping the currently Democratic-leaning 1st Congressional District.
With Republicans already holding seven of nine congressional seats in the state, this move is less about survival and more about building an ironclad majority to weather the midterm storm, a time when the ruling party often stumbles.
Trump himself underscored the stakes, declaring, “We must keep the Majority at all costs,” a rallying cry that reminds us why every district matters in the razor-thin national House balance.
Indiana’s fight is just one front in a broader Republican strategy, with states like Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio already drafting new maps to bolster GOP seats, while Florida and Kansas mull similar moves.
Democrats aren’t sitting on their hands either, with states like California—where voters recently handed redistricting power back to the Democrat-led legislature—along with Illinois, Maryland, and Virginia, pushing maps to secure or expand their own congressional turf.
While Texas faces legal hurdles with federal judges blocking its new map (though the Supreme Court has paused that ruling for now), and Utah’s GOP map was struck down in favor of a Democratic-leaning alternative, the national chess game over districts is far from over, and Indiana could be the next big play.
With just days to go, President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind a key Tennessee congressional race, stirring up a storm of attention.
Two days before the special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, Trump took to Truth Social to rally support for Republican candidate Matt Van Epps while sharply criticizing his Democratic opponent, state Rep. Aftyn Behn, Fox News reported.
Trump’s endorsement of Van Epps isn’t new—he formally backed the candidate earlier this year, a move Van Epps described as “an incredible honor.”
On Sunday, Trump posted a passionate call to action on Truth Social, urging Tennesseans to turn out for Van Epps in the special election.
He didn’t hold back on the urgency, stating, “all America First Patriots in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, who haven’t voted yet, to please GET OUT AND VOTE.” Let’s be honest, when Trump sounds the alarm like this, it’s a reminder that every vote counts in a race that could shape the district’s future.
Trump also emphasized his full confidence in Van Epps, giving him his “Complete and Total Endorsement” and promising the candidate “WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” That’s a hefty promise, but for many conservative voters, Trump’s word carries serious weight.
Turning his focus to Behn, Trump unleashed a barrage of critiques, alleging she opposes core values important to many Tennesseans.
He claimed Behn “hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants Open Borders, Transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, and openly disdains Country music.” While these are strong accusations, they play into broader conservative concerns about progressive policies that seem out of step with Tennessee’s cultural heartbeat.
Trump insisted these views are well-documented, adding, “She said all of these things precisely, and without question — IT’S ON TAPE!” If true, such statements could alienate a significant chunk of voters in a deeply red district.
Van Epps, a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard and former Army helicopter pilot, brings a background of service to the table. For many, his military record signals discipline and dedication—qualities conservatives often prioritize in leaders.
Trump painted Van Epps as a top-tier candidate under siege, warning that “The Radical Left Democrats are spending a fortune to beat” him. It’s a classic narrative of the underdog patriot fighting against a well-funded progressive agenda.
Trump’s plea to not “take this Race for granted” underscores the stakes, suggesting even a strong candidate like Van Epps needs every supporter to show up. Complacency, after all, is the silent killer of many a campaign.
Meanwhile, Behn has found herself under the national spotlight for past statements that have raised eyebrows among conservatives. Her previous calls to cut funding for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department have resurfaced, drawing questions about her stance on law enforcement.
Last week, on MS NOW’s “The Weekend,” host Catherine Rampell pressed Behn to explain her critical comments from 2020 about police. Behn sidestepped a direct defense, instead focusing on local solutions over federal or state overreach, which might not satisfy voters craving clarity on public safety.
Behn’s admitted aversion to country music and Nashville’s drinking culture also risks painting her as disconnected from the district’s identity. In a state where honky-tonks and heartfelt ballads are practically sacred, such views could be a tough sell. While her policy positions deserve fair debate, cultural missteps might just be the bigger hurdle in winning over Tennessee hearts.
President Donald Trump has ignited a firestorm by suggesting that Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) should be ousted from the United States over unverified claims about her immigration history, Breitbart reported.
Trump's remarks, made during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, center on allegations that Omar may have entered the country through questionable means, while also targeting her outspoken defense of Minnesota's Somali community amid ongoing controversies.
Let’s rewind to the start of this saga, where whispers about Omar’s past first surfaced years ago. Reports from outlets like Powerline, dating back to 2019, suggested that Omar entered the U.S. in 1995 under a different family name, not genetically tied to the “Omar” family, as part of an asylum application. Allegations further claim her true name was Ilhan Nur Said Elmi before this process.
Adding fuel to the fire, Powerline also reported that while Omar and some family members sought asylum in the U.S. under assumed identities, three of her siblings used their real names to gain asylum in the United Kingdom. This discrepancy has long been a point of contention for conservative critics who question the legitimacy of her entry.
Fast forward to 2020, when the Powerline blog cited a Daily Mail story quoting a Somali community leader, Abdihaikm Osman Nur, who alleged Omar married a sibling to secure his stay in the U.S. “Ilhan Omar DID marry her brother and said she would ‘do what she had to do to get him “papers” to keep him in U.S.’, reveals Somali community leader,” the report claimed (Powerline, via Daily Mail). If true, this raises serious questions about legal and ethical boundaries, though no court has substantiated these claims.
Trump has not shied away from amplifying these accusations, recently questioning whether Omar’s actions were a ploy to gain citizenship. His pointed query—whether she wed her brother for immigration benefits—has kept this story alive in conservative circles, even as Omar and her supporters dismiss it as baseless.
On Thanksgiving, Trump took to Truth Social to vent his frustrations, targeting both Omar and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN). He described Omar as someone who “does nothing but hatefully complain about our Country,” while painting Somalia as a nation plagued by chaos and dysfunction (Truth Social). It’s a classic Trump jab—blunt, unfiltered, and designed to rile up his base.
But let’s unpack that for a moment. While Trump’s rhetoric may resonate with those frustrated by perceived ingratitude from elected officials, it risks overshadowing legitimate policy debates about immigration and asylum processes with personal grievances.
Trump doubled down during his Air Force One remarks, stating the U.S. doesn’t need newcomers “telling us what to do.” It’s a sentiment that plays to concerns about national sovereignty, yet it sidesteps the reality that Omar, as a sitting congresswoman, was elected to represent her constituents’ voices.
Omar, for her part, has been a fierce advocate for Minnesota’s Somali American community, pushing back against Trump’s narrative. She’s accused him of issuing “lawless threats” against Somalis, as reported by Breitbart News, framing his comments as dangerous overreach. Her stance highlights a deep divide on how immigration and cultural integration are discussed in today’s political arena.
Meanwhile, Trump has also criticized Somalia itself, calling it a place of “persistent Poverty, Hunger, Resurgent Terrorism, Piracy, decades of Civil War, Corruption, and pervasive Violence” in a Truth Social post. While these descriptors aren’t entirely off-base given Somalia’s documented struggles, they paint a one-dimensional picture that ignores the resilience of its diaspora communities in the U.S.
Amid this back-and-forth, Trump has tied his critique of Omar to broader policy moves, such as his plan to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali nationals. He’s cited reports of missing billions in funds as justification, though specifics remain murky, leaving room for debate on whether this is a pragmatic decision or a political jab.
Then there’s the issue of taxpayer healthcare fraud reports linked to Minnesota’s Somali community, which Trump has referenced in his broader attacks. While fraud allegations deserve scrutiny, conflating them with Omar’s personal story risks unfairly tainting an entire community—a misstep that could alienate rather than persuade.
At its core, this controversy isn’t just about Omar or Trump—it’s about how we grapple with immigration, identity, and representation in a polarized era. Trump’s call to “throw her the hell out” may energize some, but it’s a distraction from crafting policies that address root concerns without resorting to exile as a punchline.
Ultimately, until concrete evidence emerges to support or debunk these marriage allegations, this story remains a lightning rod for deeper tensions. Both sides have valid points to argue—whether it’s Trump’s focus on legal accountability or Omar’s defense of marginalized voices—but the truth, as always, lies somewhere in the messy middle. Let’s hope the discourse shifts from social media barbs to substantive debate sooner rather than later.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
Both President Donald Trump and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt went scorched earth Monday on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for what some say is a surrender of the state to Somalia.
Trump himself highlighted a report by investigative journalist Amy Mekelburg of the RAIR Foundation in which she indicated: "Minnesota is being systematically transformed – its people replaced, its cities being turned into foreign enclaves, its future rewritten by mass migration and soaring immigrant birth rates, all by design."
"Minneapolis already holds the largest Somali population in the U.S. – a hub for Shariah push and radical recruitment. You can see it on display at the Somali Culture and Music Night held this weekend."
"This isn't assimilation. It's colonization," Mekelburg concluded.
Trump said sarcastically in reaction: "Welcome to Minnesota – Great job Governor Walz!"
The president also posted video of Somalis celebrating their culture in Minnesota.
Moments earlier, Leavitt was holding a White House press briefing, during which she scorched the Democrat governor, saying "Somali immigrants have been ripping off American taxpayers."
She said, "59 [Somalis] have been convicted for their roles in fraud plots that have stolen $1 billion from taxpayers."
"In one scheme, and this is egregious, a nonprofit and its affiliates with the Somali migrants claim to have fed tens of thousands of American children during the pandemic. They were reimbursed for those meals by taxpayers. However, federal prosecutors found that almost all of those meals were never even delivered to hungry children."
"In fact, those organization's leaders spent the money on houses, luxury cars and real estate in Turkey and Kenya."
Also on Monday, a group of Minnesota state government employees said they wrote to former Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic National Committee on numerous occasions to sound the alarm about her running mate Walz due to "his incompetence, fraud scandals and retaliation."
"For public awareness, we did write to Kamala Harris and the DNC – multiple times – warning them about Tim Walz & his incompetence, fraud scandals and retaliation," wrote the Minnesota Department of Human Service Employees account, representing some 480 employees.
"We tried our best to keep the public informed as our tweets are public. Maybe Kamala Harris turned a blind eye to fraud like her running mate?
"Over the years, our messages have not changed. We need fraud to stop in Minnesota and good governance to be restored."
As WorldNetDaily reported, President Trump is now doubling down on his claim that Walz is "seriously retarded," saying there is "absolutely" something wrong with the Democrat who has allowed his state to be packed with Somalians.
Aboard Air Force One on a flight from Palm Beach to the nation's capital Sunday evening, a reporter asked the president: "You mentioned Tim Walz, and you called him what many Americans find an offensive word, retarded. Do you stand by that claim of calling Tim Walz retarded?"
Trump replied: "Yeah, I think there's something wrong with him. Absolutely. You have a problem with it? I think there's something wrong with him."
"Anybody who would do what he did, anybody that would allow those people into a state and pay billions of dollars out to Somalia, we give billions of dollars to Somalia. It's not even a country because it doesn't function like a country. It's got a name but it doesn't function like a country. Yeah, there's something wrong with Walz."
In a blistering late-night Truth Social post on Thanksgiving, Trump originally said: "The seriously retarded Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, does nothing, either through fear, incompetence, or both."
"Somalian gangs are roving the streets looking for 'prey' as our wonderful people stay locked in their apartments and houses hoping against hope that they will be left alone."
Hold onto your hats, folks—Florida Republican Rep. Cory Mills is in hot water, and it’s not just the Sunshine State humidity.
Between eyebrow-raising campaign expenditures and a laundry list of personal scandals, Mills, 45, is under intense investigation by the House Ethics Committee for alleged financial missteps and misconduct, the Daily Mail reported.
Let’s dive into the money trail first. Campaign finance records, uncovered by The Washington Examiner, show Mills spent nearly $80,000 between February 2023 and December 2024 on what looks like a lavish getaway spree.
Private jet charters through firms like Million Air Austin and Luxury Aircraft LLC ate up almost $30,000 of campaign cash. Another $7,000 went to limousine services, painting a picture of travel fit for a tycoon, not a public servant.
Then there’s the hotel bills—Mills dropped $5,711 at The Fairmont Hotel in Puerto Rico in May 2024, a five-star beach resort with a casino. The purpose of this trip remains unclear, as Mills has declined to comment despite media outreach.
Within Florida, campaign funds covered stays at upscale spots like the Fountainbleau in Miami Beach and the Breakers Hotel in Boynton Beach. Even Las Vegas saw action, with $1,700 spent at The Venetian across two visits in late 2024.
But the financial questions are only part of the storm. A report from NOTUS alleges that during a 2021 mission to rescue Americans in Afghanistan, Mills was found with sex workers in a hotel hallway in Tbilisi, Georgia, prompting his team to abandon him mid-mission.
Despite being left behind, Mills continued solo to Afghanistan. The incident has sparked outrage, yet no statement or denial has come from his office, leaving the public grasping for answers.
Fast forward to 2024, and more controversies have surfaced, including claims of domestic abuse and threats to release revenge porn against an ex-girlfriend—allegations he denies. A Florida judge, however, issued a restraining order against him last month.
Fellow Republican Rep. Nancy Mace has had enough, publicly urging party leaders to yank Mills’ committee assignments. She shared a screenshot of alleged explicit messages Mills sent to a 28-year-old girlfriend while still married, amplifying the scandal.
One message in a chat titled “New Year’s Fun” reportedly read, “And you will be a good girl and do anything he wants or asks?” (as posted by Nancy Mace on social media).
Another allegedly stated, “He can have you as many times as he wants, anyway he wants, and finish anywhere he chooses, right, babe?” (also shared by Mace). If verified, these messages raise serious concerns about personal conduct for someone in public office.
Meanwhile, Mills is navigating a divorce and has been romantically tied to a Washington, D.C., marketing manager, though the relationship’s current status is uncertain. Personal drama aside, the core issue remains whether campaign donors unknowingly bankrolled a lifestyle far from conservative fiscal values.
Let’s keep perspective—everyone deserves a chance to defend themselves, and Mills should get his say. Still, when campaign funds meant for voter outreach allegedly go to private jets and casino hotels, it stings as a disservice to Floridians who trust their representatives.
The House Ethics Committee’s investigation will hopefully shed light on these murky dealings. For now, conservatives who champion accountability must hold their own to the same standard, lest the public’s trust erode further in a time when every dollar and every decision counts.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
The fate of baby Jesus may have been very different if Republicans were in charge some 2,000 years ago.
That's the opinion of U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, who appeared Sunday on MS Now.
"I just want to be clear. This is the [Republican] party that says that they care so much about life until life actually shows up at their front door," Crockett said.
"And this is also the party that is supposedly about Christianity and I just imagine what they would have done to a little baby Jesus but that's a whole other issue."
Crockett was discussing a report last week claiming hundreds of immigrants children were being held in federal detention centers.
ProPublica reported: "Since the start of this year, some 600 immigrant children have been placed in government shelters by ICE, according to government data. That figure, which has not been previously reported, is already higher than the tally for the previous four years combined. And it is the highest number since recordkeeping began a decade ago."
Crockett went on to say: "It is really so heartbreaking. We know that under the prior Trump administration, it was the children in cages.
"So for me, expecting them to do better by children was not one of the things that was on my bingo card."
As WorldNetDaily reported in 2019, it was actually former President Barack Obama who put kids in cages.
Obama's top official in charge of removing illegal aliens has confirmed the "cages" used to detain juveniles who are in the country illegally were established by the Obama administration.
"I've been to that facility, where they talk about cages. That facility was built under President Obama under [Homeland Security] Secretary Jeh Johnson," said Tom Homan, Obama's executive associate director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"I was there … when it was built," he said, reported Paul Bedard at the Washington Examiner.
Homan is currently the White House border czar in the administration of President Donald Trump.
This story was originally published by the WND News Center.
PALM BEACH, Florida – President Donald Trump, who on Thanksgiving Day called Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz "seriously retarded," is now doubling down on that claim, saying there is "absolutely" something wrong with the Democrat governor who has allowed his state to be packed with Somalians.
Aboard Air Force One on a flight from Palm Beach to the nation's capital Sunday evening, a reporter asked the president: "You mentioned Tim Walz, and you called him what many Americans find an offensive word, retarded. Do you stand by that claim of calling Tim Walz retarded?"
Trump replied: "Yeah, I think there's something wrong with him. Absolutely. You have a problem with it? I think there's something wrong with him."
"Anybody who would do what he did, anybody that would allow those people into a state and pay billions of dollars out to Somalia, we give billions of dollars to Somalia. It's not even a country because it doesn't function like a country. It's got a name but it doesn't function like a country. Yeah, there's something wrong with Walz."
In a blistering late-night Truth Social post on Thanksgiving, Trump originally said: "The seriously retarded Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, does nothing, either through fear, incompetence, or both."
"Somalian gangs are roving the streets looking for 'prey' as our wonderful people stay locked in their apartments and houses hoping against hope that they will be left alone."
Walz responded Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press," saying: "Look, Donald Trump insulting me is a badge of honor for me, but I think we all know both as an educator for a couple decades and as a parent using that term is just so damaging. It's hurtful."
As Fox News reported Nov. 21, "A new investigation found that Minnesota taxpayer dollars were going far beyond the North Star State's borders and ending up in the hands of Al-Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked terror group.
"Ryan Thorpe and Christopher F. Rufo of the Manhattan Institute uncovered a web of fraud involving Minnesota's Medicaid Housing Stabilization Services program, Feeding Our Future and other organizations in a bombshell report. Thorpe and Rufo noted that, in many cases, members of Minnesota's Somali community were perpetrators of fraud. They added that federal counterterrorism sources confirmed that millions of dollars in stolen funds were sent back to Somalia, which is how Al-Shabaab got the cash.
"Thorpe and Rufo sought to answer a bigger question when looking into the schemes: 'Where did the money go?'"
"As it turned out, the Somali fraud rings sent money transfers from Minnesota to Somalia and, according to reports, approximately 40% of households in Somalia get remittances from abroad. Thorpe and Rufo state that in 2023, the Somali diaspora sent $1.7 billion to the country, which was higher than the Somali government's budget that same year."