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President Trump has called for Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar to be jailed or deported to Somalia in his latest social media post, escalating tensions between the former president and the Minnesota congresswoman.
In a Sunday night post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “There is 19 Billion Dollars in Minnesota Somalia Fraud. Fake ‘Congresswoman’ Illhan Omar, a constant complainer who hates the USA, knows everything there is to know. She should be in jail, or even a worse punishment, sent back to Somalia.”
Rep. Omar, who has represented Minnesota’s 5th congressional district since 2019, was born in Somalia but has been a U.S. citizen since 2000. She is one of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress and part of the progressive group of lawmakers known as “The Squad.”
The president’s comments come amid ongoing controversy over immigration enforcement in Minnesota. In a separate post, Trump questioned why Minnesota is “fighting” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) removal operations, asking if the state “really wants murderers and drug dealers to be ensconced in their community.”
Trump further alleged that Governor Tim Walz and Rep. Omar are using protests against ICE to distract from what he claims is an “$18 billion-plus fraud” in the state, though he did not provide evidence for this allegation. “Don’t worry, we’re on it!” Trump added, suggesting some form of investigation or action.
The former president also repeated an unsubstantiated claim that Omar “married her brother,” an allegation that has circulated in conservative media for years but has been consistently denied by Omar.
These comments represent an escalation of Trump’s long-standing criticism of Omar, whom he has targeted repeatedly since she entered Congress. In 2019, Trump sparked controversy when he suggested that Omar and other progressive congresswomen of color should “go back” to where they came from, despite three of the four being born in the United States.
Omar recently drew criticism herself for reportedly referring to the country as the “U.S. God—- States” during remarks about immigration enforcement. Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah questioned what the consequences should be for such language, to which tech entrepreneur Elon Musk replied, “Whatever the penalty is for treason.”
The congresswoman has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s policies, particularly regarding immigration and his rhetoric toward Muslim Americans. She has also been a vocal advocate for progressive policies including Medicare for All and the Green New Deal.
The exchange highlights the increasingly polarized nature of American politics, particularly around immigration issues. Minnesota has one of the largest Somali-American communities in the United States, concentrated largely in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area that Omar represents.
Immigration enforcement has become a central campaign issue as the 2024 presidential election approaches, with Trump promising stricter border controls and increased deportations if elected to a second term.
Omar’s office had not issued a public response to Trump’s comments at the time of reporting, according to Fox News Digital.
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14 Comments
The allegations of fraud and the calls for imprisonment or deportation are extremely troubling. Elected officials should be held accountable, but through proper legal channels, not social media tirades.
I agree completely. This type of rhetoric from the former President is reckless and corrosive to our democratic system.
While Rep. Omar is a polarizing figure, the President’s comments seem designed to inflame tensions rather than address substantive policy concerns. This is not the kind of leadership we need.
Exactly. Resorting to personal attacks and calls for imprisonment sets a dangerous precedent that undermines democratic norms and institutions.
While Rep. Omar is a polarizing figure, the President’s comments go too far. Calling for imprisonment or deportation of an elected official is an abuse of power and sets a worrying precedent.
Absolutely, this is a dangerous path. Elected officials should be able to fulfill their duties without fear of retribution, even from the highest office.
While one can disagree with Rep. Omar’s politics, the President’s comments go too far. Calling for a member of Congress to be jailed or deported is an abuse of power that undermines the rule of law.
Absolutely. This sets a dangerous precedent that should concern all Americans, regardless of their political affiliation.
This is a highly controversial and inflammatory statement from Trump. Regardless of one’s political views, calling for a member of Congress to be jailed or deported is a dangerous escalation that undermines democratic norms and institutions.
I agree, this sort of rhetoric is extremely concerning and divisive. Political leaders should focus on constructive solutions, not personal attacks.
This is a disappointing and divisive statement from the former President. Regardless of political affiliation, we should expect more restraint and statesmanship from our leaders.
I concur. These types of attacks erode public trust and make it harder to have productive, nuanced discussions on important issues.
The allegations of Somali fraud in Minnesota seem unsubstantiated. If there are genuine concerns, they should be addressed through proper legal and investigative channels, not inflammatory social media posts.
Agreed, making unproven claims and calling for imprisonment is irresponsible. Elected leaders should uphold the rule of law, not undermine it for political gain.