Elon Musk calls Ilhan Omar’s 2024 remarks 'treason' after resurfaced video sparks outrage
WASHINGTON, DC: Democratic Rep Ilhan Omar of Minnesota is facing renewed criticism after billionaire Elon Musk shared a resurfaced video of her 2024 remarks suggesting that Somali Americans held significant sway over US policy decisions.
Retweeting the circulating clip online, on Wednesday, December 10, Musk wrote, "This sounds like treason," on X, prompting a new wave of scrutiny.
The clip began circulating shortly after President Donald Trump criticized Omar during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Omar has pushed back on both Trump's remarks and the revival of the year-old video.
Elon Musk shares resurfaced video of Ilhan Omar from 2024
The resurfaced footage comes from Omar's January 27, 2024, appearance before constituents in Minnesota, where she discussed US involvement in a dispute involving the breakaway Republic of Somalia and neighboring Ethiopia.
The translated clip, where Omar is speaking in Somali, reads, "The US government will only do what Somalians in the US tell them to do."
"They will do what we want and nothing else. They must follow our orders and that is how we will safeguard the interests of Somalia … As long as I am in the US Congress, Somalia will never be in danger," she said.
The clip continues as she says, "Its waters will not be stolen by Ethiopia or others. The US would not dare to support anyone against Somalia to steal our land or oceans. Sleep in comfort, knowing I am here to protect the interests of Somalia from inside the US system.”
Past and present criticism from lawmakers
Omar's January 2024 statements had previously drawn condemnation from lawmakers from both parties.
At the time, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn) called for her to step down, writing, “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.”
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.https://t.co/O3lAEGlokt
— Tom Emmer (@GOPMajorityWhip) January 29, 2024
Elon Musk posted the video hours after Trump reportedly criticized Omar while speaking at a rally in Mount Pocono, PA.
“I love this Ilhan Omar, whatever the hell her name is, with the little turban,” Trump said. He continued, “I love her. She comes in, does nothing but b—h. She’s always complaining."
"She comes from her country, where I mean, it’s considered about the worst country in the world, right?” He added, "We ought to get her the hell out," as attendees chanted, "Send her back."
Omar responded on X Tuesday night, stating, "Trump’s obsession with me is beyond weird. He needs serious help. Since he has no economic policies to tout, he’s resorting to regurgitating bigoted lies instead. He continues to be a national embarrassment."
