US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy after reportedly referring to Somalia as a “fourth-world country” during remarks made in the Oval Office. In the remarks, Trump painted a bleak picture of Somalia, saying: “Somalia is a third-world, maybe a fourth-world nation. Trump also repeated controversial and unverified claims about Omar’s personal life and immigration status, alleging wrongdoing despite her consistent denials. Meanwhile, Somalia, often cited in global discussions on development challenges, has in recent years made measurable progress despite decades of conflict and political instability. With support from international partners, the Somali government has been working to strengthen institutions, improve security, and drive economic reforms.

Source: The Star March 17, 2026 11:19 UTC