In a combustible exchange that quickly dominated the political news cycle, former President Donald J. Trump issued some of his strongest remarks yet toward Representative Ilhan Omar, prompting swift condemnation from Democrats, concern from some Republicans, and renewed attention to the national debate over immigration, identity, and political rhetoric.
Speaking to reporters after a policy roundtable on Tuesday, Mr. Trump responded sharply to a question regarding U.S.–Somalia relations and immigration. Growing visibly agitated, he said the United States “should throw her the hell out of the country,” referring to Ms. Omar, a Minnesota Democrat and one of the first Somali American members of Congress. His comments, captured on multiple recordings, spread rapidly across social platforms within minutes.
While Mr. Trump has long clashed with Ms. Omar, the intensity and wording of his latest remarks drew immediate attention. His assertion that Somalia was “not even a country,” along with insinuations about Ms. Omar’s immigration history, provoked widespread criticism from civil rights organizations and elected officials who viewed the comments as inflammatory and potentially dangerous. Ms. Omar became a U.S. citizen more than two decades ago.
Within an hour of the video circulating, Ms. Omar addressed the situation in a brief post on social media, stating that the former president was “once again targeting immigrants and Muslim Americans in a bid to stoke fear and division.” Her office did not respond to additional questions but emphasized in a statement that she remains focused on legislative work and constituent needs.
The uproar unfolded at a moment when public concern over immigration is already heightened, and the former president’s remarks quickly became a flashpoint in broader partisan debates. Democrats accused Mr. Trump of deploying rhetoric that places minority communities at risk. “Words like these have consequences,” said Representative Pramila Jayapal of Washington. “They endanger public servants, they undermine democratic values, and they inflame tensions that are already deeply felt across the country.”
Some Republicans attempted to distance themselves from the tone of the remarks while maintaining criticism of Ms. Omar’s policy positions. A small number declined to comment at all, reflecting the persistent challenge the party faces in responding to statements from its former standard-bearer. Others, however, defended Mr. Trump, arguing that Democrats were selectively focusing on rhetoric rather than policy disagreements.
Across Minnesota — home to one of the largest Somali American communities in the United States — the reaction was swift and visceral. Local community leaders called the comments “deeply hurtful,” stressing the contributions Somali Americans make to public life, small businesses, education, and healthcare throughout the state. “The community is tired of being talked about as though they do not belong,” said Hamdi Ali, an educator in Minneapolis. “These words reverberate far beyond politics.”
Communication from national advocacy groups echoed that sentiment. The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the remarks as “irresponsible,” warning that harsh language from prominent political figures can increase the risk of harassment. Experts in political communication noted that rhetoric targeting individuals based on origin or identity has historically been linked to spikes in online harassment toward the implicated communities.
Even as online debates intensified, strategists from both parties acknowledged that the episode could shape public discussion in the months ahead. For supporters of Mr. Trump, the moment reaffirmed his willingness to speak forcefully on issues of national identity. For critics, it served as another example of what they view as divisive and damaging political speech.
The larger political implications remain uncertain, but one outcome is clear: the exchange has once again thrust immigration, national belonging, and the boundaries of political rhetoric to the center of American discourse. And as the online reaction continues to swell, the fallout from the former president’s remarks shows no sign of subsiding.
