Trump offers to return Ilhan Omar to Somalia’s leader

 September 26, 2025

In a surprising revelation, President Donald Trump disclosed during a Thursday press conference that he had proposed to Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud the idea of taking back Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat who has often been at the center of political controversy.

The exchange, which Mohamud declined, came amid ongoing criticism of Omar for her recent remarks about the late Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, sparking a failed attempt to censure her in the House, The Daily Caller reported.

Omar’s backstory adds layers to the context of Trump’s comments. Born in Somalia, she and her family fled the country in 1991 during the Somali Civil War, spending four years in Kenya before receiving asylum in the United States in 1995. By 1997, they had settled in Minnesota, where Omar became a U.S. citizen in 2000 at age 17.

Trump’s Unexpected Proposal to Somali Leader

During the press conference, Trump addressed Daily Caller White House correspondent Reagan Reese, asking if she was aware of his meeting with Mohamud. He then shared that he had suggested to the Somali leader the possibility of taking Omar back to her native country.

Trump recounted the exchange, stating, “Between her and Ilman Omar and the group, I met the head of Somalia.” He added, “Did you know that? And I suggested that maybe he’d like to take her back, and he said, ‘I don’t want her.’”

The comment drew attention to the long-standing friction between Trump and Omar, who has faced criticism throughout her political career for various statements deemed controversial by opponents. This latest episode ties into her recent remarks that reignited calls for disciplinary action.

Omar’s Remarks Spark Political Firestorm

The current wave of backlash against Omar began in September following her comments about Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who was recently assassinated. She spoke out just a day after his death, questioning the narrative surrounding his legacy.

Omar told Zeteo News’ Mehdi Hasan that it was wrong to focus solely on Kirk’s positive contributions. She stated, “I think there are a lot of people out there talking about him just wanting to have a civil debate.”

She continued, “There is nothing more f-ed up than to completely pretend that his words and actions have not been recorded and in existence for the last decade or so.”

Harsh Criticism and Social Media Backlash

Omar did not hold back in her criticism, further escalating the controversy with pointed language. She declared, “These people are full of shit, and it’s important for us to call them out.”

Additionally, she reposted a video on social media that described Kirk in harsh terms, labeling him as a “reprehensible human being,” a “stochastic terrorist,” and a “transphobe.” This fueled outrage among many conservative lawmakers and commentators who viewed her remarks as insensitive.

The timing of her statements, coming so soon after Kirk’s death, intensified the reaction from her critics. Many felt her words disregarded the mourning period and focused unnecessarily on past grievances.

Failed Attempt to Censure Omar in House

In response to Omar’s comments, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina took swift action on Sept. 15 by introducing a resolution to censure Omar and remove her from committee assignments. Mace argued that the remarks were inappropriate given the circumstances of Kirk’s recent assassination.

The resolution reached the House floor on Sept. 17, where lawmakers voted on the measure. The vote resulted in a narrow 214-213 decision to table the resolution, effectively blocking the censure attempt.

Four Republicans crossed party lines to join Democrats in opposing the measure, highlighting divisions even within the GOP on how to address Omar’s statements. This outcome allowed Omar to retain her committee roles and avoid formal reprimand, though the controversy surrounding her words continues to linger.