Conservatives are criticizing Representative Ilhan Omar, a member of the progressive “Squad” in the House, for her stance on her native Somalia.
A video, shared by Somaliland’s deputy minister of foreign affairs, shows Omar addressing an audience in a Minneapolis hotel, discussing Somaliland’s agreement with Ethiopia, which Somalia claims encroaches on its territory.
While an English translation of Omar’s comments has not been independently verified by the Washington Examiner, she appears to state that she is in Congress to represent the interests of Somali Americans and implies that the U.S. will prioritize its interests.
Conservatives swiftly responded with criticism.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia posted on X, “Terrorist sympathizer Ilhan Omar in her own words: Somalian first. Muslim second. She never mentions America. 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.” Greene also encouraged citizens to vote in November.
Former Rep. Denver Riggleman from Virginia expressed his disapproval on X, calling Omar a “disgraceful representative.”
A researcher claimed on X that the interpretation of Omar’s remarks was biased, to which Omar responded, “It’s not only slanted but completely off, but I wouldn’t expect more from these propagandists. I pray for them and for their sanity. No nation-state can survive if its states start to get involved in land lease negotiations with other countries without the consent of the federal government. Somalis in Somalia and in the diaspora are united in that effort, and I stand in solidarity with them. No amount of harassment and lies will ever change that.”
Omar’s comments relate to Ethiopia’s memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, where Somaliland agreed to lease part of its coastline to landlocked Ethiopia. However, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed concerns about Ethiopians needing to cross Somali territory to reach the leased area, potentially leading to issues on another level.
