WASHINGTON (Somaliguardian) – U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar expressed pride in her Somali heritage Saturday in response to sharp criticism from President Donald Trump, who attacked both her and Somalia in a series of comments on Thursday.
“I am proud to be born a Muslim. I am proud to be born in Somalia. I am proud to have become an American,” Omar wrote on X. “None of you can change that no matter how much you rage tweet. Drink some water and touch grass,” she added, addressing Trump’s remarks that sparked widespread anger across Somalia.
Trump’s broadside came after he lambasted Somalia as a failed state. “Ilhan Omar’s Country of Somalia is plagued by a lack of central Government control, persistent Poverty, Hunger, Resurgent Terrorism, Piracy, decades of Civil War, Corruption, and pervasive Violence. 70% of the population lives in extreme Poverty, and widespread Food Insecurity,” Trump said on his platform Truth Social.
He continued: “Somalia is consistently ranked among the World’s Most Corrupt Countries, including Bribery, Embezzlement, and a Dysfunctional Government. All of this, and Ilhan Omar tells us how to run America! P.S. Wasn’t she the one that married her brother in order to gain Citizenship??? What SCUM we have in our Country, telling us what to do, and how to do it. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
In a subsequent interview, Trump went so far as to question whether Somalia even has a president – despite the fact that the Somali federal government maintains formal diplomatic relations with the United States, including an accredited ambassador in Washington and the continued presence of hundreds of U.S. military personnel stationed in Somalia.
Somalia’s federal government has not officially responded to Trump’s comments. Many Somalis have expressed frustration over the silence, questioning why their authorities have not publicly condemned the disparaging remarks.
Analysts suggest Mogadishu’s restraint may stem from concern over jeopardizing critical U.S. support in the fight against insurgents. The U.S. maintains delicate relations not only with Somalia’s government but also with semi-autonomous regions such as Puntland, which it independently engages on security and counterterrorism matters.
Recent cuts in U.S. funding to Somalia’s elite, American-trained forces – along with reductions in their food rations and other vital aid – have severely hampered Mogadishu’s capacity to combat Al-Shabaab, a resilient and wealthy Al-Qaeda affiliate. Given these pressures, Somalia may be reluctant to risk further reductions in support by responding confrontationally.
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