Israel made a historic move on December 26, 2025, officially recognizing Somaliland as an independent nation—and the usual suspects are absolutely losing their minds over it. Twenty-one Arab, Islamic, and African countries, along with China and Russia, have condemned Israel's recognition of the breakaway republic. That alone should tell President Trump everything he needs to know about what America should do next.
If our enemies hate it, we should probably be doing it too.
Somaliland has been a functioning democracy for over three decades, governing itself independently from the failed state of Somalia since 1991. While Somalia remains a terrorist-infested hellhole where pirates and al-Shabaab militants run wild, Somaliland has built stable institutions, held free elections, and maintained peace within its borders. Yet the international community continues to pretend this success story doesn't exist.
Why This Matters for America First
Here's what the establishment won't tell you: Somaliland sits in one of the world's most strategically important locations, controlling access to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. China has been trying to expand its influence in the Horn of Africa through its massive military base in Djibouti, right next door to Somaliland.
By recognizing Somaliland, America could secure a democratic ally in a region where we desperately need friends. This isn't about nation-building or foreign adventures—it's about smart geopolitics that puts America's interests first.
The fact that China and Russia are condemning Israel's move should be a flashing neon sign for the Trump administration. When Beijing and Moscow are upset about recognizing a democratic ally, that's usually a good indication we're on the right track.
Time for Bold Leadership
President Trump has never been afraid to break from failed establishment thinking. He moved our embassy to Jerusalem when everyone said it was impossible. He brokered the Abraham Accords when the experts claimed it couldn't be done. Now he has another opportunity to lead where others have failed.
Recognizing Somaliland would send a clear message that America stands with democracies over dictatorships, with our allies over our enemies, and with success over failure. It would also give us a strategic foothold in a critical region while China tries to buy influence across Africa.
The question isn't whether America should recognize Somaliland—it's why we haven't done it already. Will Trump once again show the world what real leadership looks like?