Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk ignited a political firestorm early Wednesday after accusing Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) of committing “treason” in connection with resurfaced remarks that critics say showed her pledging allegiance to Somalia’s national interests over those of the United States.
Musk shared a January 2024 video clip on X in which Omar spoke in Somali to constituents in Minneapolis, vowing to use her congressional influence to defend Somalia’s territorial claims against Ethiopia and other regional powers.
“This sounds like treason,” Musk wrote to his 200 million followers, just hours after President Donald Trump tore into Omar during a rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, where the crowd erupted into chants of “Send her back!”
The remarks that triggered the latest backlash came from a town-hall event in Omar’s district last year. In the footage, Omar appears to tell Somali voters that she would use her role in Congress to ensure Washington acts in Somalia’s interests.
“The U.S. government will only do what Somalians in the U.S. tell them to do,” Omar said in Somali, according to a verified translation. “They will do what we want and nothing else. They must follow our orders and that is how we will safeguard the interest of Somalia. As long as I am in the U.S. Congress, Somalia will never be in danger, its waters will not be stolen by Ethiopia or others. The U.S. would not dare to support anyone against Somalia.”
This sounds like treason https://t.co/u8vAq6MMyN
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 10, 2025
The comments resurfaced just as Trump renewed his attacks on Omar during Tuesday night’s campaign rally, mocking her for what he called a “Somalia-first agenda.”
“I love this Ilhan Omar — whatever the hell her name is — with the little turban,” Trump told supporters. “She comes in, does nothing but complain. She comes from her country — one of the worst in the world. She married her brother to get in. Therefore, she’s here illegally. Throw her the hell out!”
TRUMP: “I love this Ilhan Omar, whatever the hell her name is, with the little turban. I love her. She comes in, does nothing but bitch. She’s always complaining.”
“We oughtta get her the hell out! She married her brother in order to get in!” pic.twitter.com/JI5FWK2hoo
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) December 10, 2025
Omar fired back on X after the rally, calling Trump’s criticism “beyond weird.”
“Trump’s obsession with me is beyond weird,” she wrote. “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.”
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. https://t.co/sFsGpxOf7o
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) December 10, 2025
The White House’s rapid-response team wasted no time responding. From its official account, it reposted Omar’s statement with a blunt rejoinder: “Ilhan, why did you marry your brother?”
Ilhan, why did you marry your brother? https://t.co/PognbKcpru
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) December 10, 2025
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), a fellow Minnesotan, condemned Omar’s 2024 comments when they first surfaced. “Ilhan Omar’s appalling, Somalia-first comments are a slap in the face to Minnesotans and a direct violation of her oath of office,” Emmer said at the time. “She should resign in disgrace.”
Musk’s post revived those calls and triggered a flood of reactions on social media, with “treason” trending on X within hours. Prominent conservative commentators, including Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) and radio host Mark Levin, argued that Omar’s statements appeared to advocate for a foreign nation while serving in the U.S. Congress — conduct they said merited investigation.
Omar has faced similar controversies since entering Congress in 2019, frequently clashing with Trump and other Republicans over immigration, foreign policy, and national security.
Trump has increasingly spotlighted Omar in recent weeks, using her as a foil in speeches about immigration enforcement and election integrity. The president’s aides say the topic resonates with voters frustrated by border security and concerns about foreign influence in U.S. politics.
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