Minnesota's Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan donned a hijab on Friday when visiting the Karmel Somali Market in Minneapolis, in an apparent public rebuke of Donald Trump.
The Catholic politician opened her address with the traditional Arabic greeting "Salam alaikum" before declaring her unwavering support for the community.
"I am incredibly clear that the Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota," Ms Flanagan stated, surrounded by Somali community leaders.
She emphasised her longstanding connections to the community, saying: "Growing up here, the Somali community has always been a part of my Minnesota."
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"So, I wanted to encourage the community to just know that we're with you, we've got your back," she added.
Ms Flanagan holds the distinction of being the highest-ranking Native American woman to have been elected to public office in the United States.
The Lieutenant Governor is widely considered a frontrunner for Minnesota's US Senate race scheduled for next year.
Her public engagement on Friday has been met with a backlash online.
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan donned a hijab while visiting the Karmel Somali Market in Minneapolis
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Some even compared the demonstration to when Democratic politicians, including Nancy Pelosi, wore traditional African scarves in 2020 to demonstrate their support for the Black Lives Matter movement during that period's protests.
Ms Flanagan's public show of support comes in the wake of Trump labelling Somali migrants "garbage" following revelations of a substantial healthcare fraud scheme in the state.
The scandal saw dozens of individuals charged, with the majority of defendants being of Somali heritage.
The President has accused Minnesota's Somali community of bearing responsibility for the alleged scam and has demanded the repayment of hundreds of millions of dollars he claims were stolen.
Donald Trump had labelled Somali migrants as 'garbage'
|REUTERS
Ms Flanagan refrained from directly addressing Mr Trump's attacks during her market visit, instead acknowledging that it was a "scary time" for the Somali community.
The fraud case has placed Minnesota's significant Somali population under intense national scrutiny, with the Trump administration now pursuing aggressive recovery measures.
The White House is actively pursuing the recovery of hundreds of millions of dollars allegedly stolen through the Minnesota healthcare fraud.
Health and Human Services Deputy Secretary Jim O'Neill dispatched repayment demands last week to sponsors of immigrants who subsequently became reliant on public benefits.
Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan did not directly attack Donald Trump when making her comments
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Under longstanding federal legislation, those who sponsor immigrants are obligated to reimburse means-tested public benefits, though this provision has seldom been enforced in practice.
The letters warn failure to comply will result in forceful federal action "by all available means."
Mr O'Neill personally signed at least ten letters connected to sponsored individuals enrolled in Medicaid, according to sources with knowledge of the department's activities.
Both Medicaid and Medicare are taxpayer-funded programmes designed to assist Americans most in need.
Ms Flanagan used her market appearance to urge Minnesotans to rally behind local Somali enterprises and their immigrant neighbours during this difficult period.
"I know that things are scary right now, and just know there are more people who are looking out for you, and there are more people who are here to support you," she told those gathered.
"I will continue to stand with the Somali community and to do all I can to return the friendship that the Somali community has shown me."
Ms Flanagan serves as deputy to Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz, who was the Democratic vice-presidential candidate in the 2024 election.
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