Democratic Senate and House Leaders Affirm Support for Maine’s Somali Community, Denounce Hateful Rhetoric

AUGUSTA, ME — Maine’s Democratic House and Senate leaders today issued the following statement denouncing hateful comments by President Trump targeting members of the Somali community in the United States. Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick), House Speaker Ryan Fecteau (D-Biddeford), Senate Majority Leader Teresa Pierce (D-Falmouth), Senate Assistant Majority Leader Jill Duson (D-Portland), House Majority Leader Matt Moonen (D-Portland), and House Assistant Majority Leader Lori Gramlich (D-Old Orchard Beach) said: 

“Immigration has always been foundational to our nation. Generations of new Mainers– including Somali Mainers– have built businesses, raised families, staffed hospitals, fought in our armed forces, and enriched our culture. 

Calling an entire group of people “garbage” is not just offensive — it is profoundly dehumanizing and wrong. The President’s rhetoric is not only beneath the dignity of the office he holds, it is a direct threat to the safety and humanity of people who are our neighbors, our coworkers, and members of our community. While his words may be sadly unsurprising, they remain completely indefensible.  

We reject the hateful remarks of a person who should be uniting our nation, not perpetuating ignorance. We stand firmly with Somali Mainers and we will continue to protect their humanity and rights here in Maine.”

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