Minnesota mayor Nadia Mohamed ditches US to spend America's 250th anniversary in Somalia with Somali president

St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed spent America’s 250th anniversary in Somalia rather, rather than in the United States. The first Somalian American mayor traveled to Somalia’s capital Mogadishu July 3 and was welcomed by Somali government officials, per Somalian news outlet Hiiraan online. Photos shared by the outlet show the mayor's arrival showing a group of Somalis waving American and Somali flags. Hiiraan Online also reported that “Mohamed thanked the president for the welcome and said she remains committed to strengthening cooperation and supporting development efforts in Somalia.”

Alpha News contacted Mohamed with questions about her trip including asking her if she purposely chose America’s 250th anniversary. The mayor did not respond to the questions before the deadline.

Alpha News then contacted the City of St Louis Park where a spokesperson confirmed the Somalia trip but said the mayor is footing the bill for the trip and has taken the trip for personal reasons.

“The trip is entirely unrelated to her role as mayor of the City of St. Louis Park,” the spokesperson said to Alpha News. “Any meetings with Somali dignitaries or other prominent individuals are taking place strictly through personal connections and do not involve any city business.”

Mohamed was elected mayor of St. Louis Park in 2023 after defeating Dale Anderson by more than 17 percentage points. Before becoming mayor, she served on the St. Louis Park City Council.

A Somali refugee who arrived in the United States at age 10, Mohamed became the first Somali mayor in Minnesota history and the first Muslim mayor of St. Louis Park. She currently works for a Minnesota state agency focused on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Mohamed’s visit also comes amid increased scrutiny of Somali communities in Minnesota following high-profile fraud investigations involving individuals accused of misusing public funds. The cases, including allegations tied to social service programs, have fueled political debate over, immigration and accountability.