Rep. Ilhan Omar sparked controversy after making remarks advocating for Somalia at an event in Minnesota, leading to calls for her removal from Congress.
The video clip of her speech went viral, with Omar emphasizing her commitment to protecting Somalia’s interests while serving in the U.S. Congress.
Her comments came amidst tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia over Somaliland.
“A few days ago, we heard the news about some people claiming to be Somalis getting into an agreement with Ethiopia,” Omar said.
“I got calls from a lot of people saying, ‘Ilhan, you need to talk to the U.S. government; what is the government of the U.S. doing?’ My answer to their question was that the U.S. government will do what we tell them to do about it. We need to be confident in ourselves.”
“We live in this country; it is the country that we pay tax to, and it is the country that one of your daughters is in. As long as I am in the U.S. Congress, no one will take a way in the Somali sea or water. And I will not support the U.S. government in supporting other people to rob us. Rest assured that it will not happen, Minnesota. The lady that you sent to Congress knows about you, and she feels your interest like you all do,” she said.
Expel from Congress, denaturalize and deport! https://t.co/UyjEmSSIoQ
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 30, 2024
Omar expressed gratitude to Somali President Hassan Sheikh for “reminding everyone that even if Somalia is in crisis, we are people of talent who know their country and whose country cannot be put in danger.”
“I want to congratulate the Somalis in Minnesota and the Somalis everywhere on how you all are united and how you all supported our President, who needs our support,” she said. “Somalia is Somalia, and Somalis are all one; we are all brothers and sisters. No one can divide our land; we are missing land, and we will search for it soon. No one will divide whatever land that we have now.”
Numerous Republican politicians and conservative figures criticized Omar, calling for her resignation and expressing outrage over her allegiance to Somalia.
Omar responded to the viral video, dismissing it as slanted propaganda.
“It’s not only slanted but completely off, but I wouldn’t expect more from these propagandists,” Omar said of the translation.
The controversy has led to a heated debate about her allegiance and responsibilities as a member of Congress.
“Expel from Congress, denaturalize and deport!” Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said.
“Listen to it all,” Donald Trump Jr. wrote. “It’s not hyperbole when we say our representatives are putting America last.”
“Ilhan Omar’s appalling, Somalia-first comments are a slap in the face to the Minnesotans she was elected to serve and a direct violation of her oath of office. She should resign in disgrace,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer said.
“What if @Ilhan fought for Somalia from Somalia?” Rep. Mike Collins asked. “Might be time to discuss expelling another member of Congress.”
“She flaunts using her position as congresswoman to protect Somalia’s border while our border is invaded by MILLIONS of illegals who are a danger to America,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said.
“Terrorist sympathizer Ilhan Omar has shown her true colors. Her treasonous comments and allegiance to Somalia are a violation of her oath of office. Our elected officials have a duty to our nation, and our nation only. We must be vigilant when deciding who is allowed to enter our country,” Rep. Diana Harshbarger wrote.
