Ilhan Omar accuses Trump of making racist comments against Somalis due to his sense of failure

Ilhan Omar, the Somali-born congresswoman from Minnesota, has accused former President Donald Trump of targeting her and the Somali-American community with racist attacks because he recognizes his failures. Earlier this week, Trump referred to Somali Americans as garbage in a highly controversial remark.

Omar shared her perspective in a personal essay for the New York Times, highlighting the perseverance of Somali Americans while criticizing the Trump administrations plan to deploy federal agents to Minnesota for immigration enforcement.

The president is aware of his shortcomings, and he resorts to his familiar tactic: diverting attention by inciting prejudice, Omar wrote. She added, Mr. Trump disparages not only Somalis but many other immigrant groups, especially those who are Black and Muslim. Despite his attempts to vilify newcomers, we will not be silenced. Somali Americans love for this country runs deep.

Following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Trump launched another tirade targeting both Somalis and Omar personally. He suggested that Omar, a U.S. citizen, should be thrown out of our country and used an incorrect term for Somalis, claiming, Theyve destroyed our country. And all they do is complain, complain, complain.

Omar noted that some Somali constituents had voted for Trump and suggested his racial hostility stems from a broader failure of domestic policy. She recalled past remarks by Trump, including his proposal to halt Muslim immigration and derogatory statements about Haiti and African nations. She also highlighted his false claims about Mexican immigrants. It is shocking that he disregards the foundational role immigrants have played in building this country and belittles their contributions, Omar wrote.

Omar emphasized that while Trump continues to attack her, her state, and the Somali community, his campaign promises of economic growth remain unfulfilled.

Since entering Congress in 2019 as one of the first two Muslim women, Omar has been a frequent target of Trump and Republican critics. A former Minnesota state senator, she is now part of the progressive Democratic group known as the Squad. In 2023, the Republican majority removed her from the House Foreign Affairs Committee following her criticism of Israel.

Despite the attacks, Omar stressed the resilience of Somali Americans. I am deeply concerned about the impact of these tirades. What keeps me awake is worrying about people who share my identities Black, Somali, hijabi, immigrant facing the consequences of his words, she wrote. She concluded, We will not let Mr. Trump intimidate us. We are not afraid. Minnesotans welcome refugees, and they even sent one to Congress.

Author: Harper Simmons