Former President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), turning a viral White House post into a wider campaign attack. The comments, made aboard Air Force One, revived earlier controversies and expanded into broader criticism of Somali immigration in the United States.
Omar Says She Isn’t Worried About Deportation
The renewed clash began after Omar’s October interview on The Dean Obeidallah Show. In that appearance, she said she was not concerned about losing her U.S. citizenship or being deported to Somalia, where she was born.
She said she no longer fears the possibility because she is an adult with a family and could live “wherever I want.”
On November 10, the White House posted a 2024 photo of Trump waving from a McDonald’s drive-thru window. The post responded to a clip of Omar discussing deportation and was widely seen as a taunting message aimed at the Minnesota congresswoman.
Trump Revives Fraud Allegation Against Omar
While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump revived the long-disputed allegation that Omar entered the United States through a fraudulent marriage.
He said that if the allegation were true, she “shouldn’t be a congresswoman” and should be removed from the country. Omar has denied the accusation for years, calling it politically motivated and unsubstantiated.
Trump Broadens Criticism to Somali Immigration
Trump also expanded his remarks to target Somali immigration in general. He argued that Somali refugees “cost us a lot of money” and criticized U.S. support for Somalia. He connected his criticism of Omar to broader complaints about the Somali refugee community.
He added that the United States would not continue accepting Somali immigrants and suggested that some might be sent back. The statements reflect campaign themes Trump has used in the past, especially during debates over immigration policy.
Omar Responds With Sharp Rebuttals
Omar has frequently pushed back against Trump’s claims. Earlier this month, she called him a “lying buffoon” and argued that his story about Somalia’s president refusing to take her back was fabricated.
Trump has repeatedly accused her of being “anti-American,” while Omar has pointed to her refugee background as proof of American opportunity and resilience.
White House Signals No Retraction
A senior White House aide said the president stood by his comments. According to the aide, Trump aimed to “remind voters that America’s generosity should never be repaid with contempt.”
The White House has shown no intention of walking back the remarks, signaling that this dispute may remain an active campaign issue.
Omar’s Background: From Refugee to Congress
Omar’s family fled Somalia’s civil war in 1991 and spent several years in a Kenyan refugee camp before coming to the United States. She made history in 2018 by becoming one of the first Muslim women and the first Somali-American elected to Congress.
Her background continues to shape both her political identity and the criticisms she faces.
Escalation Comes Amid Immigration Concerns
The latest confrontation between Trump and Omar comes as immigration policy dominates national debate. The political climate intensified following the Thanksgiving shooting involving an Afghan refugee, raising new questions about vetting procedures.
The renewed feud highlights ongoing tension between Trump and progressive “Squad” members, with immigration serving as a central point of conflict as the 2024 race approaches.
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