Trump Sparks Backlash After Suggesting Rep. Ilhan Omar Should Be “Sent Back to Somalia”

U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn criticism after making a controversial statement about Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, suggesting she should be imprisoned or “sent back to Somalia.” The remarks were made in a post on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social, where he wrote that the Democratic lawmaker should face punishment and claimed deportation would be an even harsher outcome. Omar, an American lawmaker of Somali origin, has represented Minnesota in Congress since 2019 and is widely recognized as the first Somali-American elected to the U.S. Congress, as well as one of the first Muslim women and former refugees to serve as a member of the House of Representatives.

According to reports referenced in the article, Trump made the comments while expressing anger over Omar’s support for ongoing anti-government protests in Minneapolis and her criticism of federal immigration enforcement actions. The report also stated that Trump directed frustration toward Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and accused both Omar and Walz of wrongdoing, claiming they were taking positions against ICE to shift attention away from alleged misconduct. Trump has repeatedly targeted Omar in the past, and the report notes that she has faced frequent political attacks connected to her background, immigration history, and Muslim identity. The article added that Trump had previously insulted Omar with offensive language and has, in recent months, repeatedly spoken about removing Somali immigrants from Minnesota.