Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a Democrat, recently secured reelection, but his victory speech has sparked a wave of criticism.
Captured on video, Frey addressed a crowd in Somali, seemingly expressing gratitude to his supporters and acknowledging "the great people of Minneapolis," as reported by Fox News. "And I say that very intentionally, because no matter where you are from, Minneapolis should be a place where you are proud to call home," he stated.
According to Breitbart, Frey's choice to speak in a foreign language did not sit well with some social media users, who voiced their disapproval. One individual remarked, "How embarrassing. This is America."
Another critic pointed to Frey's past actions, saying, "This dude faked cried at Floyds funeral, got booed out of his own town, threw his cops under the bus, & is now speaking Somali." A further comment labeled his speech as "sad and pathetic."
Additional footage depicted Frey energizing the crowd while donning a T-shirt emblazoned with "I Love Somalia."
Frey's reelection marks his third term, following a campaign marred by internal disputes within the DemocraticFarmerLabor Party (DFL) over the endorsement process. The controversy included the revocation of State Sen. Omar Fateh's endorsement in August, due to alleged voting irregularities at a July convention.
Fateh, a democratic socialist and the first Somali American and Muslim elected to the Minnesota Senate, criticized the decision as "insider games" and continued his campaign with support from Rep. Ilhan Omar and former Rep. Jamaal Bowman.
Despite the internal party turmoil, Frey received endorsements from prominent Minnesota Democrats, including Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar. However, conservative voices have not been silent. Gerry Callahan, a conservative commentator, lambasted Frey's speech, describing it as "humiliating."
He remarked, "This is an American politician, raised in America, educated in America, ostensibly representing Americans, prostrating himself in front of a bunch of foreigners. Could be the most humiliating thing Ive ever seen."
Frey's victory, amid the backdrop of party discord and public criticism, underscores the complex dynamics at play in Minneapolis politics. As the city grapples with its identity and leadership, the mayor's actions and words continue to be scrutinized by both supporters and detractors.
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