Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) is once again at the center of a political firestorm following a video circulating on social media in which she criticizes the current state of the United States, saying the country has become “one of the worst” in the world.
The remarks, which appear to have been made during a recent public event, were highlighted in a widely viewed X post by political commentator Kyle Becker. The video juxtaposes Omar’s speech with scenes of military presence in U.S. cities and a military parade—imagery Omar likened to a “failed dictatorship,” widely interpreted as a criticism of former President Donald Trump’s administration and its domestic security policies.
“This is not the country I was born in or the country the Founding Fathers envisioned,” Omar said. She went on to urge Americans to reject what she described as authoritarian tendencies, calling for a recommitment to constitutional and democratic principles.
Omar’s comments sparked swift and fierce backlash online, particularly from conservative voices and military supporters who viewed the remarks as unpatriotic.
One X user, known as “Suburban Black Man” (@niceblackdude), posted: “Ilhan Omar after the military parade: ‘We are turning into one of the WORST countries on Earth…’ Sounds like she should go back to Somalia. Self-deport for best results, @IlhanMN.”
Another user, Valentina Gomez (@ValentinaForUSA), added: “I’ll pay for her ticket back to Somalia since she hates America so much.”
Some critics resurrected longstanding accusations about Omar’s past, including unproven claims that she committed immigration fraud by marrying her brother—a narrative widely circulated in far-right media circles but never substantiated by legal authorities.
The controversy escalated further with the resurfacing of a previous clip in which Omar is heard saying, “I am here to protect the interests of Somalia from within the U.S. system.” Critics claim this reflects a divided loyalty, while supporters argue the remark was taken out of context and misrepresented.
Omar, who came to the United States as a Somali refugee and has served in Congress since 2019, has frequently drawn both praise and condemnation for her outspoken views on American foreign and domestic policy. A member of the progressive “Squad,” she has long been a vocal critic of U.S. military interventions, immigration enforcement policies, and systemic inequality.
Defenders argue that Omar’s criticisms reflect a commitment to improving the nation rather than rejecting it. “It’s deeply American to call out injustice and demand better from your country,” one supporter tweeted. “Ilhan Omar is using her voice to uphold the Constitution—not tear it down.”
So far, Representative Omar has not issued a direct response to the online uproar. The episode, however, is likely to fuel further political polarization as the 2026 midterms approach and debates over immigration, patriotism, and national identity take center stage.