Trump Fires Back at Ilhan Omar After Controversial Remarks About Somalia

Trump Fires Back at Ilhan Omar After Controversial Remarks About Somalia

In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, former President Donald Trump has again turned his fire toward Representative Ilhan Omar — this time focusing on her heritage and remarks about the East African nation of Somalia. What began as criticism of Omar’s commentary on conservative activist Charlie Kirk has morphed into a broader clash over patriotism, identity and political decorum.

The Spark: Omar’s Remarks

The confrontation traces back to Omar’s comments following the assassination of Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025. Kirk, a prominent conservative figure and founder of Turning Point USA, was gunned down at a speaking event in Utah. In the aftermath, Omar dismissed much of the public remembrance of him, calling him a “stochastic terrorist” and rejecting what she described as attempts to “normalize” his platform. The Times of India+2Newsweek+2

Her remarks triggered a backlash from Republican lawmakers and commentators. A resolution to censure her narrowly failed in the U.S. House of Representatives (214–213) after four Republicans joined Democrats to block it. Newsweek+1

Trump’s Response: Going After Heritage

Amid that backdrop, Trump stepped into the fray. On multiple occasions in late September 2025 he publicly attacked Omar — questioning her origins, her loyalty, and the country of Somalia itself.

At one point, he claimed:

“I met the head of Somalia … I suggested that maybe he’d like to take her back. And he said, ‘I don’t want her.’” Al Arabiya English+2New York Post+2

In online posts (notably via the platform ­Truth Social) he wrote:

“Ilhan Omar’s Country of Somalia is plagued by a lack of central Government control, persistent Poverty … Resurgent Terrorism, Piracy, decades of Civil War, Corruption … All of this, and Ilhan Omar tells us how to run America!” mint+1

He also urged she should be “impeached” and removed from office. Al Arabiya English

Omar Fires Back

Not taking the bait quietly, Omar responded via social media (platform X) with blistering language:

“From denying Somalia had a president to making up a story, President Trump is a lying buffoon. No one should take this embarrassing fool seriously.” mint+1

She condemned Trump’s insinuations about her citizenship, her origin and her right to speak about the U.S. politique.

Why This Matters: Identity, Patriotism & Political Norms

The unfolding dispute is not just a personal feud between two political figures. It strikes at the heart of several larger debates in American politics:

1. Identity Politics and “Foreignness”
Omar, originally from Somalia and a naturalized U.S. citizen (since 2000), is one of the most prominent Muslim women in Congress. Trump’s repeated references to her origin and to returning her to “Somalia” echo earlier controversies (e.g., his “go back” comments in 2019). Wikipedia+1 The lines blur between policy disagreement and personal origin-based attacks — raising questions about how Americans from immigrant backgrounds are treated in high politics.

2. Patriotism, Loyalty & the “Right” to Criticize
Trump’s critique frames Omar as someone who criticizes America while coming “from a place with nothing, no anything—and then they tell us how to run our country.” Newsweek+1 This positioning implies a hierarchy of who has the right to critique the U.S., based on heritage or perceived allegiance.

3. Political Norms, Civility & Rhetoric
Both sides of the aisle — and independent observers — worry about what this means for political discourse. When personal attacks focus on origin and heritage, rather than policy or ideology, some argue we’re entering a more divisive, tribal era. Critics say this exchange lowers the bar for acceptable public rhetoric.

Reactions Across the Spectrum

Democrats: House Democrats, led by figures such as Hakeem Jeffries, denounced the attacks on Omar as xenophobic and racist. They framed these remarks as part of a broader pattern of targeting Muslim and immigrant-background lawmakers. Newsweek

Republicans: Some Republicans welcomed Trump’s remarks, viewing them as politically bold and resonating with their base’s frustration with Omar’s commentary. Republicans seeking to censure Omar cited her Kirk remarks and broader criticism of America. The Times of India+1

Public & Media: The media have highlighted how this feud ties into larger national debates over free speech, political violence, and the role of identity in politics. Editorials argue it’s emblematic of escalating tensions in Congress and public life.

What’s Next? Possible Outcomes

Censure or Expulsion Moves: While the recent censure resolution failed, some Republicans continue to push for consequences against Omar. Trump’s calls for impeachment, though constitutionally flawed for a congressperson, add to pressure. Newsweek

Electoral Implications: Both Omar and Trump are high-profile figures. Their conflict may shape voter sentiments — particularly in Minnesota (Omar’s district) and among constituencies sensitive to identity politics.

Foreign Relations Angle: Trump’s reference to the Somali president and to Somalia’s capacity raises diplomatic sensitivities. Though the remarks may be rhetorical, they implicate U.S. relations with Somalia and set a tone for how heritage and foreign origins are treated in political attacks.

Broader Norms: The ongoing feud may accelerate shifts in what is considered permissible in political discourse — especially around immigrant origin, national loyalty, and heritage. Will more lawmakers adopt similar rhetoric? Will backlash force norms re-setting?

In Their Own Words

• Trump:

  “I think she’s terrible. I think she should be impeached.” Al Arabiya English+1
  “You know, I met the head of Somalia … I suggested that maybe he’d like to take her back.” mint

• Omar:

  “From denying Somalia had a president to making up a story, President Trump is a lying buffoon.” mint

The Takeaway

This clash between Trump and Omar is more than just two personalities squaring off. It serves as a micro-cosm of broader fault lines in American politics: origin vs. loyalty, identity vs. ideology, rhetoric vs. civility.

For Omar, the key issue is whether lawmakers from immigrant backgrounds can engage in national debate free from origin-based attacks. For Trump and his allies, it’s about framing dissenting voices as un-American or disconnected from national values.

How this plays out may influence not just the individuals involved but the evolving norms of political engagement in the U.S. Do attacks on heritage become mainstream? Will lawmakers push back more forcefully? Will voters reward or punish such behavior?

One thing’s clear: this is not going to fade quietly. The feud has drawn in lawmakers, media, global attention — and the stakes won’t vanish with the next headline.

As one political analyst put it: “This isn’t about one remark anymore. It’s about how we settle the question of who gets to speak for America — and on what terms.”