St. Louis Park Mayor Nadia Mohamed spent America’s 250th anniversary in Somalia rather than the United States, according to Somali news outlet Hiiraan Online.
According to the news outlet, Mohamed arrived in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, on Friday, July 3 and was welcomed by Somali government officials. Photos of what appears to be the mayor’s arrival show a large welcoming party waving American and Somali flags.
Hiiraan Online also reported that Mohamed visited with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Saturday, July 4 at the presidential palace in Mogadishu.
“The meeting focused on the role of the Somali diaspora in national development and ways to strengthen relations between Somalia and the United States,” noted Hiirran Online.
President Hassan Sheikh received Nadia Mohamed, Mayor of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, at Villa Somalia Presidential Palace. pic.twitter.com/l3DbSSiY1D
— Villa Somalia (@TheVillaSomalia) July 4, 2026
Additionally, the Somali president reportedly “praised Mohamed for her achievements in leadership and participation in American politics, saying her success reflects the potential and growing influence of Somalis in the international community.”
Hiirran Online also said Somalia’s president “encouraged the mayor to continue supporting efforts to strengthen ties between Somalia and the United States, including in investment, social services and national reconstruction.”
Meanwhile, the outlet 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 for this story. Among other things, the mayor was asked why she chose to visit Somalia during America’s 250th anniversary. She did not respond to media inquiries prior to a publication deadline.
Similarly, Alpha News contacted the City of St. Louis Park with questions for this story.
A city spokesperson confirmed that Mohamed is “currently traveling in Somalia,” but noted that the trip is “for personal reasons and at her own expense.”
“The trip is entirely unrelated to her role as mayor of the City of St. Louis Park,” added the spokesperson. “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 first elected mayor of St. Louis Park in 2023, besting Dale Anderson by more than 17 points. Prior to her time as mayor, Mohamed served on the St. Louis Park City council. She currently works at a Minnesota state agency “doing DEI work.”
Mohamed came to the United States as a refugee at the age of 10. She is the first Somali mayor in Minnesota history and the first Muslim mayor of St. Louis Park. Mohamed is up for reelection in 2027.
Luke Sprinkel
Luke Sprinkel previously worked as a Legislative Assistant at the Minnesota House of Representatives. He grew up as a Missionary Kid (MK) living in England, Thailand, Tanzania, and the Middle East. Luke graduated from Regent University in 2018.
