Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) recently found herself in a tense exchange with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who proposed that Omar should be sent back to Somalia, suggesting that South Carolina lawmakers were “good and smart.” Mace shared an interview clip where she criticized Omar’s comments and seemed to further her agenda to remove Omar from her committee assignments.
In a back-and-forth, Mace’s remarks pointed to a 2022 tweet from Omar to assert that her statements might provoke public backlash, possibly leading to embarrassment or ostracism.
“If you celebrate the murder, maybe Somalia could bring you back,” Mace stated in a post, amplifying her stance.
Omar, who fled the Somali civil war as a child and came to the U.S. as a refugee, pushed back against Mace. In a response, she expressed her frustration, saying, “I know you’re not good or smart, but I hope someone can explain that there’s no linkage between my committee role and deportation. Regardless of what you do, my office will remain close to you, and I’ll continue serving in Congress.”
Mace continued her campaign rhetoric, tweeting, “One-way ticket to Somalia with your name, Ilhan Omar.”
In the same interview, Omar described the rhetoric surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk as “mortifying,” while Kirk defended his position on gun rights and mentioned his willingness to engage in discussions surrounding George Floyd’s death. Omar commented on the importance of civil discourse.
Attention has turned to Minnesota legislators as Omar pointed out that Mace didn’t use any of her own words in the rebuke. She accused Mace of shifting blame to benefit her own campaign for governor.
The resolution by Mace is expected to be voted on in the House soon, highlighting continuing tensions. She isn’t alone; other Republicans have voiced similar sentiments regarding Omar’s place in the U.S.
“Ilhan Omar (D-Somalia) shouldn’t have been allowed into our country,” claimed Randy Fine, R-Fla., referencing the interview with Hasan.
