By WILL POTTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Published: 16:30 GMT, 26 December 2025 | Updated: 21:19 GMT, 26 December 2025

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan wore a hijab in a new video defending the state's Somali population amid attacks from President Trump. 

Flanagan was flanked by Somali leaders as she appeared at the Karmel Somali Market in Minneapolis on Friday, opening her remarks by saying the traditional Arabic greeting: 'Salam alaikum.' 

'I am incredibly clear that the Somali community is part of the fabric of the state of Minnesota,' Flanagan said. 

Flanagan cited her friendship with the Somali leaders she appeared with as she said she was thankful for her ties to the community. 

'Being part of Minnesota and growing up here, the Somali community has always been a part of my Minnesota,' she continued. 

'So, I wanted to encourage the community to just know that we're with you, we've got your back.' 

Flanagan's remarks come weeks after Trump called Somali migrants 'garbage' after a massive healthcare scam in the state was exposed, in which a majority of the dozens of defendants were of Somali descent.

Flanagan's campaign spokeswoman Alexandria Fetissoff told the Daily Mail: 'While the Lt. Governor was showing her support for small businesses and communities being terrorized by ICE, she was handed a scarf by a friend and briefly wore it out of respect.

Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan came under scrutiny for donning a hijab as she defended the state's Somali population amid attacks from President Trump

Flanagan's remarks come as President Trump has accused the Somali community in Minnesota of being responsible for an alleged healthcare scam in the state, and has demanded they repay hundreds of millions he says was stolen

'The real outrage should not be a scarf, but masked men throwing American citizens into vans and violating the constitution.'

Flanagan toured a Somali market as she spoke the day after Christmas, and she said she was using the appearance to encourage others to 'show up and support our Somali businesses and our immigrant neighbors.' 

'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. 

'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.' 

The Lieutenant Governor is the highest-ranking Native American woman to hold elected office in the US, and has said she is a Catholic.