Rep. Ilhan Omar is facing renewed backlash after old comments about Somali influence in U.S. politics resurfaced online — and Elon Musk is now suggesting the remarks amount to “treason.”
Early Wednesday, the billionaire shared a clip of Omar’s January 2024 speech, adding: “This sounds like treason.”
The video began circulating widely shortly after former President Trump criticized the Minnesota Democrat during a rally in Pennsylvania.
At the rally, Trump mocked Omar and accused her of prioritizing foreign interests, prompting the crowd to chant, “Send her back!”
The resurfaced clip shows Omar telling constituents in Minnesota’s Twin Cities that she would oppose any attempt by Somaliland — a self-declared independent region — to strike a sea-access deal with Ethiopia.
A translation of her remarks claimed she said that “the U.S. government will only do what Somalians in the U.S. tell them to do” and that she intended to protect Somalia’s interests from within Congress. She allegedly added that Somalia’s land and waters would never be at risk “as long as I am in the U.S. Congress.”
Those comments drew swift criticism from lawmakers at the time. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer called for Omar to resign, describing her remarks as “a slap in the face to Minnesotans and a violation of her oath of office.”
Omar, 43, responded Tuesday evening to Trump’s Pennsylvania comments, writing on X that his fixation on her is “beyond weird.”
“He needs serious help,” she added, accusing Trump of resorting to “bigoted lies” because he lacks economic accomplishments to promote.
