Trump Suggests Expulsion of Rep. Ilhan Omar
President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of expelling Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) from the United States, referencing allegations that she might have married her brother to gain entry into the country.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump stated, “There is a member of Somalia who is promoting the constitution to the people, and I believe she came to this country after marrying my brother. If that’s true, she shouldn’t be a member of Congress, and we should expel her from the country.”
He went on to express that the U.S. doesn’t need individuals who come here “telling us what to do.” This comment comes as Omar and other Democrats have defended Minnesota’s Somali community, in light of reports alleging fraud related to taxpayer health care programs. Trump has previously stated his intent to end Temporary Protected Status for Somalis, citing claims of missing billions in assistance funds.
In response to these claims, Omar described Trump’s comments as “lawless threats” against the Somali community. She has often voiced her support for her fellow countrymen and criticized the president.
In a Truth Social post during Thanksgiving, Trump took aim at Omar and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D). He accused Omar of being perpetually critical of the U.S. while also making remarks about her appearance, suggesting she might have entered the country unlawfully.
“While Minnesota Governor Tim Walz does nothing out of fear or incompetence, our nation’s worst ‘legislator and woman,’ Ilhan Omar, is constantly wrapped in a hijab, complaining about our country and its Constitution,” he remarked. Trump claimed that the country lacks proper governance, military, and basic infrastructure, painting a dire picture of the nation’s state.
In February 2020, reports surfaced that a Somali community leader alleged Omar had married her brother to secure her immigration status. This claim was echoed in various discussions surrounding her immigration history, where her entry into the U.S. was questioned.
The narrative surrounding Omar’s immigration has been complex, with reports indicating that her genetic family was split among various countries, with some members obtaining asylum in the U.K. under real names. The controversy has persisted, leading to ongoing questions about her marital and immigration history.
In a September post, Trump expressed criticism of Somalia as a nation troubled by various issues, and he questioned Omar’s place in addressing American governance.
