Numerous calls are being received urging the House to expel Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) following her statements made in her home state last week. During a gathering of Somalis, she expressed her support for the country of her birth and her previous residence before coming to the United States and being elected to Congress.
A three-minute video clip featuring Omar went viral on Sunday, allegedly translated by individuals claiming to be officials from Somaliland, a self-declared independent region within Somalia that has sought sovereignty for many years, despite lacking international recognition as an independent nation.
Omar delivered her remarks on Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, during an event organized to celebrate the recent re-election of Said Abdullahi Deni as the President of the Puntland State of Somalia. These comments from Omar coincide with ongoing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia regarding Somaliland. It has been reported that Ethiopia has reached an agreement with Somaliland, recognizing it as a separate independent nation from Somalia. In return, Ethiopia, a landlocked country, would gain access to a 12-mile coastal area in the region through a lease agreement.
Ilhan Omar says she has a very special and close relationship with the President of Somalia. She calls him her “uncle” and he calls her his “girl.”
She also refers to him as “our president” while the entire audience in Minnesota cheers. pic.twitter.com/YFaSt19PGD
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 30, 2024
Somalia decided to reject the agreement, stating:
“There is no space for mediation unless Ethiopia retracts its illegal [memorandum of understanding] and reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia,” the government noted in a statement.
Omar’s remarks were translated to reveal she was reffering to the agreement between Ethiopia and Somaliland: “A few days ago, we heard the news about some people claiming to be Somalis getting into an agreement with Ethiopia.”
She went on to say:
“I got calls from a lot of people saying, “Ilhan, you need to talk to the U.S. government; what is the government of the U.S. doing?’”My answer to their question was that the U.S. government would do what we tell them to do about it.
We need to be confident in ourselves. We live in this country; it is the country that we pay taxes to, and it is the country that one of your daughters is in. As long as I am in the U.S. Congress, no one will take away the Somali sea or water. And I will not support the U.S. government in supporting other people to rob us.
Rest assured that it will not happen, Minnesota. The lady that you sent to Congress knows about you, and she feels your interest like you all do.”
She went on to thank Somali President Hassan Sheikh for “reminding everyone that even if Somalia is in crisis, we are people of talent who know their country and whose country cannot be put in danger.”
“I want to congratulate the Somalis in Minnesota and the Somalis everywhere on how you all are united and how you all supported our President, who needs our support,” she concluded, per the outlet. “Somalia is Somalia, and Somalis are all one; we are all brothers and sisters. No one can divide our land; we are missing land, and we will search for it soon. No one will divide whatever land that we have now.”
Omar’s comments in the viral video clip have been accurately translated, aligning closely with the translation provided to The Daily Wire. This translation effectively conveys her main message, which emphasizes her dedication to advocating for her homeland from within the U.S. Congress. It suggests that this cause holds significant importance to her, if not being her topmost priority. As a result, numerous Republicans have criticized Omar and are urging Congress to remove her from office.
“Expel from Congress, denaturalize and deport!” said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
“Listen to it all,” added Donald Trump Jr. “It’s not hyperbole when we say our representatives are putting America last.”
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) added: “Ilhan Omar’s appalling, Somalia-first comments are a slap in the face to the Minnesotans she was elected to serve and a direct violation of her oath of office. She should resign in disgrace.”
“What if @Ilhan fought for Somalia from Somalia?” asked Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA). “Might be time to discuss expelling another member of Congress.”
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) responded by saying “She flaunts using her position as congresswoman to protect Somalia’s border while our border is invaded by MILLIONS of illegals who are a danger to America.”
Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN)announced: “Terrorist sympathizer Ilhan Omar has shown her true colors. Her treasonous comments and allegiance to Somalia are a violation of her oath of office. Our elected officials have a duty to our nation, and our nation only. We must be vigilant when deciding who is allowed to enter our country.”