Fact Check: Did Ilhan Omar vow to give up citizenship if Trump is unredacted in Epstein files?
WASHINGTON, DC: Amid the controversy surrounding a federal raid at Rep Ilhan Omar’s home over an immigration fraud probe, a rumor is circulating online claiming that Omar has vowed to give up her American citizenship if President Donald Trump’s name is unredacted from the Epstein files.
The claim has triggered speculation, prompting a fact check.
Claim: Ilhan Omar vowed to give up her citizenship
According to a viral Facebook post, the Somali-born Congresswoman has vowed to voluntarily give up her citizenship if the president’s name is unredacted from the files linked to the convicted offender.
“No need to subpoena and raid me. When Trump's name is unredacted in the Epstein files, I will voluntarily give up my citizenship, and give my hijab so he can wear it as a diaper,” Omar allegedly said.
The claim surfaced on what appears to be a Fox News graphic card, indicating that it was reported by the outlet.
The post has garnered a significant number of likes, with the comment section indicating that many believe the statement to be authentic, while a few others expressed skepticism.
Fact Check: The claim was intended as satire
However, the claim is false, as there are no records of the Minnesota Congresswoman making such a statement.
There are no new announcements, official statements, recent press conferences, or social media posts by Omar in which she vowed to give up her citizenship if Trump’s name is redacted from the Epstein files.
If the claim were true, prominent news media outlets would have widely covered it, making headlines, but a search on Google yielded no credible news reports, including from Fox News.
A closer look at the post reveals that the graphic card, which appears to be from Fox News, is actually misspelled as ‘Fox Mews.’
A further look reveals several clues of fabrication and indication of satire, including a watermark stating ‘Mrs. Putin Satire.’ Omar’s name is also misspelled as ‘Ilharmed Oman.’
Report reveals Ilhan Omar's birth year change request
The claim surfaced after emails reviewed by the New York Post revealed that Omar’s congressional staff requested a change to her birth year in Minnesota public records in May 2019.
According to the records, Omar’s birth year was listed as 1981 before the request changed it to 1982, just months after she entered Congress.
The report surfaced amid the allegations surrounding her immigration history and a reported federal raid at her home in Washington, DC.
However, the allegations have been repeatedly denied by Omar and her office.
