Rep. Ilhan Omar’s speech to the Somali community in Minnesota has sparked outrage, with some calling for her expulsion from Congress over remarks prioritizing Somali interests.
By yourNEWS Media Staff
Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), a Somali refugee, delivered a speech to the Somali community in Minnesota that has stirred significant controversy. The speech, which has gone viral with English translation subtitles, reportedly has Omar emphasizing her Somali identity over being American and stating that she represents Somalia in Congress. Additionally, Omar is alleged to have declared control over the U.S. government’s Somalia policy, sparking calls for her expulsion from the House of Representatives.
In a remarkable clip, the Somalian American congresswoman Ilhan Omar has been caught off-guard telling Somalian Americans in Minnesota, that her number one job is to protect the interest of Somalia. She continued to say, we are doing this job right from inside the American… pic.twitter.com/JkU5HDSSaZ
— HAGGOOGANE (Hawd & Reserve area) SST (@HAGGOOGANE) January 28, 2024
The speech’s details, including its precise location, are not fully clear, but indications suggest it took place in Minneapolis on January 27, 2024. Omar’s comments about Somali ethno-nationalism and her expression of a desire to reclaim land from neighboring countries and address issues with Somaliland have added to the controversy.
YouTube transcript of an excerpt of the speech (lightly edited for formatting):
A lot of people call me asking: Ilhan You should talk to the US gov. What will the US gov do? My answer was the US gov will do what we tell it to do. We should have that confidence as Somalis. We live in this country We pay its taxes. It is the country where your own daughter is a congresswoman. As long as I am in the congress, others will not take Somalia’s territorial waters. The US gov will not support others to take what’s ours. So don’t worry about that dear Minnesota. You got your lady in the congress. She is well aware and feel what you’re feeling. As for President Hassan Sheikh (of Somalia) I’m saying: we are very happy because of you. Because of the great work you did. You have showed Somalis and others that no matter how much problems we have as Somalis, we are capable people. We are people who know their country. People that never in their history….(inaudible) people that their country can never be put in danger. So want to congratulate the people of Minnesota and Somalis everywhere for sticking together (like my uncle said). And also how all of you stood by our President Because he needs all of us to stand by him.
Somalia is for Somali people. Somalia is one. We are all brothers and sisters. Our land cannot be divided. There are other lands that we are missing which we’ll seek insha allah one day. But for the land we got now it will not be divided. So thank you all for honoring me and welcoming me always.
In response to the criticism, Omar posted on Sunday, arguing that the interpretations of her speech were slanted and inaccurate. She emphasized the unity of Somalis in Somalia and the diaspora and their efforts to maintain territorial integrity. Omar’s statement also touched on the importance of federal government consent in land lease negotiations with other countries.
The speech has elicited strong reactions from various quarters. Some in the Somali community, particularly those concerned with Somaliland, have expressed dismay over Omar’s remarks about Somali territories and ethno-nationalism. Additionally, there has been a notable backlash from Americans, with individuals like Chaya Raichik and Marina Medvin criticizing Omar for allegedly prioritizing Somali interests over American ones. Journalist Alessandra Bocchi echoed similar sentiments, questioning Omar’s ethical conduct in office.
In light of these developments, questions are being raised about potential actions against Omar, with comparisons made to recent Congressional responses to other members. Laura Loomer, for instance, has questioned the disparity in treatment between Omar and recently expelled Congressman George Santos, alleging treasonous behavior on Omar’s part.
In a remarkable clip, the Somalian American congresswoman Ilhan Omar has been caught off-guard telling Somalian Americans in Minnesota, that her number one job is to protect the interest of Somalia. She continued to say, we are doing this job right from inside the American… pic.twitter.com/JkU5HDSSaZ
— HAGGOOGANE (Hawd & Reserve area) SST (@HAGGOOGANE) January 28, 2024
Breaking 🚨🚨
While speaking to Somalian crowd, US congresswoman Ilhan Omar said
"As Somalis, one day we will go after our missing territories" in reference to somali inhibited regions in Kenya and Ethiopia.
Please note Ilhan's father was a military officer in Siyad barre army… pic.twitter.com/kZmUshca6S
— Abdi Daud #55thState (@haadka) January 28, 2024
We were profoundly surprised, even shocked on discovering the remarks made by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D) of Minnesota in a recent public forum, widely circulated on most social media platforms and attached below for your reference.
The language she employed was regrettably… pic.twitter.com/7Ag9ZafTKY
— Ambassador Rhoda J Elmi (@AmbRhodaJElmi) January 28, 2024
Ilhan Omar hates America. https://t.co/VbQak3gQnK
— Chaya Raichik (@ChayaRaichik10) January 28, 2024
Ilhan Omar, an American congresswoman, tells Somalians that she is Somalian first, Muslim second, and… [no, American wasn’t even mentioned].
Oh, and she says that her primary job in Congress is to protect Somali interests. pic.twitter.com/ex5IlkAkR2
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) January 28, 2024
Amazing speech by Ilhan Omar. She’s proudly claiming Somalia is for Somalians, that their brotherhood is tied by blood, that Somalia comes first, that Muslims come second, and that she is using the US to protect her nation’s interests. Besides the blood and soil rhetoric which is… pic.twitter.com/tkFj2R9s9d
— Alessandra Bocchi (@alessabocchi) January 28, 2024
.@SpeakerJohnson when will Republicans hold a vote to expell Ilhan Omar from Congress? She’s a traitor to America. Santos was expelled for less. https://t.co/vQF7OAn88y
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 29, 2024
.@SpeakerJohnson
How is it that you guys expelled @MrSantosNY George Santos from Congress, but you won’t expel this jihadist from Congress?
She just admitted on video to working for another country, that is controlled by jihadists, from “inside the US System”.
This is… https://t.co/wNKeUSjfOj
— Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) January 29, 2024