Donald Trump criticized Afghan refugees, Somali immigrants, and Joe Biden following an incident where two National Guard troops were shot in Washington DC. However, his accusations are flawed.
The US President pointed out that a 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal was brought into the country under Operation Allies Welcome after the fall of Kabul in 2021. Trump claimed that Lakanwal’s status was extended by a law signed by President Biden, whom he referred to as a disastrous leader. He emphasized the security risk posed by admitting millions of unidentified foreigners during the previous administration.
Furthermore, Trump targeted the Somali community in Minnesota without any apparent connection to the shooting incident. He alleged that Somalis were causing financial losses and unrest in the state, criticizing their presence in the country.
Trump suggested using the shooting as a reason to increase deportations, including those legally residing in the US. He advocated for scrutinizing all individuals who entered from Afghanistan under Biden’s administration and removing anyone who does not contribute positively to the country.
It is confirmed that Lakanwal sought asylum under Trump’s presidency, with his application approved in April 2025. The wounded National Guard troops’ identities and conditions have not been officially disclosed, with conflicting reports initially surfacing about their status.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially reported the death of two Guard members from his state but later retracted the statement due to conflicting information. The troops were part of a deployment to DC during Trump’s administration in response to perceived increased crime rates, although crime statistics showed a decrease from the previous year.