‘At Least He’s Owning Up to Blatant Racism’: Minnesota Backlash as Critics Say Tom Emmer Hasn’t Assimilated to State Values

Not on the same page

A video of Rep. Tom Emmer from C-Span 2 has sparked a wave of criticism across Minnesota after the Republican congressman declared that he was finished being “careful” when discussing Somali immigrants, prompting thousands of social media users to accuse him of embracing openly racist rhetoric. In contrast, others argued the remarks run counter to the values they associate with the state.

In the clip, Emmer says, “Minnesotans are so afraid that you’re gonna call us a racist, you’re gonna call us an Islamophobe. You know what? I’m done being even the least bit careful. Somalis don’t assimilate. And if they don’t assimilate, then they should go the hell back to where they came from.”

The video surfaced on the Minnesota subreddit, where commenters overwhelmingly condemned the remarks. One of the most upvoted responses read, “At least he’s owning up to his blatant racism.” Another user echoed that sentiment, writing, “At least people know exactly what they are voting for.”

Not everyone agreed that bluntness was preferable. Several commenters argued that openly inflammatory rhetoric only serves to normalize prejudice. One popular response warned that public figures feeling comfortable making such statements represents an escalation rather than transparency.

Critics Turn Emmer’s “Assimilation” Argument Back on Him

One theme emerged repeatedly throughout the discussion. Rather than focusing solely on Emmer’s comments about Somali Americans, many Minnesotans flipped his own language back on the congressman by pointing out that he was born in South Bend, Indiana.

A widely shared comment stated, “Tom Emmer was born in South Bend, Indiana. If he isn’t going to assimilate to MN values he should go the hell back where he came from.”

Others expanded on the idea, arguing that Emmer appears increasingly disconnected from what they consider mainstream Minnesota values of inclusion and respecting neighbors regardless of background.

One commenter joked, “Speaking as a Minnesotan, when is Tom Emmer gonna integrate and assimilate?” Another added, “He’s the one who should leave. He’s the one who’s not Minnesotan.”

The thread also pushed back directly against Emmer’s claim that Somali immigrants fail to assimilate. One user wrote, “I was about to say I know way more Somalis that have assimilated than guys like this.” Another argued that even complete cultural integration would never satisfy people who hold those views, writing that critics would simply move on to another group.

Alongside the political debate, the thread featured plenty of humor at Emmer’s expense, with users making jokes about his tan suit and referencing the long-running political controversy surrounding former President Barack Obama’s tan suit and Dijon mustard.

Despite the lighter moments, the dominant reaction centered on the belief that Emmer’s remarks do not reflect the state he represents. For many commenters, the loudest backlash was not simply about immigration, but about whether the congressman himself embodies what they see as Minnesota’s values.