WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump, in a lengthy Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, expressed his strong opposition to Somali immigrants, claiming they are too reliant on the U.S. social safety net and contribute little to society. This controversial statement follows the administration's decision to halt all asylum processes due to the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, an incident allegedly involving an Afghan national.

Trump didn't hold back during the meeting, asserting, 'They contribute nothing. The welfare is like 88% or something. They contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country. Their country is no good for a reason. Your country stinks and we don’t want them in our country.' His remarks have prompted backlash as they underscore ongoing tensions regarding immigration policies and the treatment of immigrant communities in the U.S.}