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During the State of the Union address, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) vociferously criticized President Trump after he made contentious remarks about Somali immigrants. His statements prompted Omar to accuse him of falsehoods.
As Trump declared a campaign against what he described as fraud linked to the Somali immigrant community, Omar’s voice resonated in the chamber, labeling him dishonest.
“In the realm of corruption impacting America, Minnesota stands out as a stark example,” Trump stated, alleging that the Somali community there had misappropriated approximately $19 billion from taxpayers.
He further commented, “The Somali pirates plundering Minnesota illustrate that corruption, bribery, and chaos prevail in many parts of the globe. Allowing these cultures into our country through unchecked immigration and open borders imports these issues into the USA.”
These assertions provoked a strong reaction from Omar, who was heard denouncing Trump as a liar while vocally responding from her seat.
The Somali community has been under scrutiny by the Trump administration in part due to a massive pandemic-era fraud scheme that stole hundreds of millions from a federally funded nutrition program. As much as $1 billion is reported to have been stolen in separate plots.
A viral December video about alleged fraud at Somali-run day care centers in the state further inflamed the administration’s response, including launching a massive immigration raid in Minneapolis.
As Trump talked about illegal immigration and the border, Rep. Rashida Talib (D-Mich.) yelled at Trump, “You’re killing Americans.” Omar also yelled, “You have killed Americans.”
Other Democrats wore pins and held up signs with protest messages. Norma Torres (D-Calif.) held up a two-sided sign with the photos of two Americans killed by immigration officers, Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) was escorted out of the House chamber shortly after Trump began delivering his address, holding up a sign that read, “BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T APES.”