Donald Trump Criticises Ilhan Omar Amid Immigration Policy Changes

On 28 November 2025, United States President Donald Trump made controversial remarks targeting Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a Democratic representative from Minnesota. His comments came in the wake of an immigration policy announcement and were made via his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump accused Omar, who was born in Somalia, of having entered the United States illegally by allegedly marrying her brother, a claim that has circulated among critics for several years but has not been substantiated by credible evidence.

Trump described Omar as 'the worst Congresswoman in our Country' and critiqued Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for inaction regarding the Somali community in the state. He suggested that Omar, frequently seen wearing a hijab, and her origins were indicative of a broader issue, labelling Somalia as a 'decadent, backward, and crime-ridden nation'. These comments were part of a broader discourse surrounding the recent shooting incident near the White House, where an Afghan national allegedly shot two National Guard members.

The allegations surrounding Omar's immigration status first emerged in a Somali-American forum in 2016 and have since been amplified by various conservative activists and media outlets. However, multiple fact-checks have found no verified evidence to support the claims that she married her brother for immigration purposes. Omar, who has served in Congress since 2019 and is the first Somali-American elected to the House of Representatives, has denied these allegations.

In addition to his remarks about Omar, Trump announced plans to 'permanently ban migration from all Third World countries,' although details on the implementation of such a policy remain unclear. This statement follows his recent push to end temporary protected status for Somalis living in Minnesota, impacting approximately 700 immigrants currently residing in the United States. The move has drawn significant criticism from community leaders and Democrats, who argue that it unfairly targets a vulnerable population.

Minnesota has the largest Somali population in the United States, with around 80,000 residents. Advocates and Democratic lawmakers have condemned Trump's rhetoric, asserting that his comments exacerbate divisions and foster an environment of fear within immigrant communities. As one local representative noted, 'These attacks not only affect individuals but also ripple through our entire community, spreading misinformation and hate.'

In response to Trump's comments, Governor Walz took to social media to address the insults directed at him, stating, 'Release the MRI results,' a jab at Trump’s previous claims regarding his health. The ongoing tension surrounding immigration policy and community perceptions continues to escalate, as both supporters and opponents of Trump's administration prepare for the potential implications of his proposed changes.

As the political landscape evolves, the discourse surrounding immigration in the United States remains fraught with contention, particularly as it relates to figures like Ilhan Omar, who embody the intersections of race, religion, and politics. The broader implications of Trump's remarks for the Somali community and immigrant rights in the U.S. will likely continue to be a focal point in the ongoing national debate over immigration reform.