Who is Ilhan Omar? and why is she so controversial?
Congresswoman
Ilhan Omar
has long been one of the most polarising figures in American politics. Her sharp rhetoric, unapologetic stance on issues like
white nationalism
and Gaza, and refusal to back down from personal attacks have made her a target of repeated smear campaigns.
The latest controversy flared after conservative activist Laura Loomer resurfaced a 2018 clip of Omar suggesting that white men in America should be profiled to address rising extremism. Vice President JD Vance condemned the remarks as 'genocidal language,' sparking a new wave of backlash. Omar, however, defended her comments, citing data from the Anti-Defamation League showing white supremacists were behind the majority of extremist murders in the US.
This incident comes just weeks after Omar drew criticism for telling a reporter to 'f off' when questioned about a deportee allegedly linked to MS-13. She later doubled down on social media, saying: 'You and all you miserable trolls can f off.'
Alongside these moments, longstanding conspiracy theories about her personal life, especially the unfounded claim that she married her brother to commit immigration fraud continue to circulate despite years of fact-checks and investigations finding no credible evidence.
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Omar was also a prominent member of the "progressive squad" and a vocal supporter of then-Vice President
Kamala Harris
, particularly following President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. Omar promptly endorsed Harris as the Democratic nominee, expressing her commitment to working alongside her to defeat Donald Trump in the 2025 election.
Beyond her endorsement, Omar has actively campaigned for the Harris-Walz ticket.
At a "Women of Color for Harris" event in Minneapolis, she praised Harris's leadership and shared a personal anecdote about Harris offering valuable advice on staff hiring when Omar was first elected to Congress.
Despite her endorsement, Omar has voiced concerns regarding Harris's outreach to Muslim and Arab American communities. In a discussion with journalist Mehdi Hasan, Omar remarked that Harris's efforts were "not enough," emphasizing that effective outreach requires delivering on the specific needs of these communities.
Who is Ilhan Omar?
Early life:
Born in Somalia, Omar fled civil war with her family at age eight, spending four years in a Kenyan refugee camp before settling in the US in the 1990s.
Education and career:
She moved to Minneapolis in 1997 and became a community educator, policy fellow at the Humphrey School, and aide to the Minneapolis City Council before entering politics.
Political milestone:
Elected to Congress in 2018, she became the first African refugee in the House, the first woman of colour to represent Minnesota, and one of the first two Muslim women in Congress.
Legislative focus:
Advocates for student debt relief, fair wages, immigration reform, and tackling climate change.
Committee roles:
Vice-Ranking Member of the House Budget Committee; serves on the House Education and Workforce Committee.
Caucus involvement:
Deputy Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Vice Chair of the Medicare for All Caucus.
Controversial comments:
Criticised for her remarks on white nationalism, US foreign policy, and Israel frequently drawing ire from conservatives.
Persistent rumours:
Has been the subject of a widely debunked rumour alleging she married her brother to aid his immigration claims dismissed by fact-checkers and never substantiated by authorities.
Omar's response:
Denounces the allegations as racist and Islamophobic attacks, maintaining that the focus on her personal life is politically motivated.
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