(RepublicanReport.org) – Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar (D) recently spoke at an event celebrating the re-election of Somalia’s president, Said Abdullahi Deni. Translations of her speech, which she presented in her native tongue, reportedly have her placing the African country above all other priorities — including those of her elected office. Several Republican politicians criticized the remarks, with many calling for her to resign or face being expelled from her congressional seat.
Lost in Translation
Daily Wire reports that Omar made the statements on January 27 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, where the Somalian event took place. Translations have her rejecting an agreement Ethiopia attempted to make with Somaliland, a coastal area that seceded from Somalia. It suggests giving the larger African country water trade access in exchange for acknowledgment that the defected territory is indeed its own sovereign nation.
Omar reportedly called the deal “illegal” and expressed her belief that the people of Somaliland are attempting to fracture the country, a move she’s passionately against. The Minnesota progressive also allegedly promised to use her power in Washington, DC, to preserve the integrity of Somalia, which would ensure continued sea access to that country. She stated that she would fight “day and night” for the endeavor — a statement some US citizens might see as evidence that she’s putting herself and the interests of her country of origin ahead of her constituents.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) wants the house to launch an ethics investigation against Omar over her comments, according to The Hill. He also asked that she “resign in disgrace” from Congress, insisting her allegiance is to the people of Somalia, not those she supposedly represents in Minnesota. He said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that her words were in “direct violation” of the oath she took to serve the American people.
Previous Offenses
Omar is no stranger to controversy. She faced criticism in October 2023 for her comments against Israel after its response to Hamas’ attack. US leaders who stood firmly with Israel’s decision to strike back with relentless force slammed the Muslim lawmaker. Forbes shares that she also received backlash for blaming Israel for a missile that took out a hospital in Gaza when most news sources agreed that Hamas was responsible.
The House previously passed a resolution to remove Omar from the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, also over allegedly expressing antisemitic views. Members, who voted almost exclusively along party lines, according to the Washington Examiner, decided in a 218 to 211 vote that their Minnesota peer deserved to lose the highly respected committee seat. Many Democrats claimed the action was nothing more than “political retribution” for similar actions the Left had taken against Republican Reps. Paul Gosar (AZ) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA).
Omar disputed the English translation of her recent speech, which was provided by the deputy minister of foreign affairs for Somaliland, Ambassador Rhoda J. Elmi. According to the US representative, his take on her words was incorrect and “slanted.”
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