Billionaire Elon Musk set off a political firestorm on Wednesday after accusing Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) of comments that he said sounded like treason.
Musk resurfaced a clip from January 2024 that critics had used to argue Omar favored Somalia over the U.S.
The post came just hours after President Donald Trump delivered a heated rally in Pennsylvania. During his remarks, Trump went after Omar and mocked her repeated criticisms of the country.
Trump said Omar spent her time complaining about America while praising Somalia.
The president told the crowd that Somalia was considered one of the worst countries in the world and questioned why Omar constantly targeted the nation she represents.
The resurfaced clip showed Omar speaking to constituents in Minnesota. She discussed the dispute involving Somaliland, Ethiopia and sea access and said she would work to prevent any agreement that undermined Somalia.
As the clip spread again, Trump’s supporters in Mount Pocono erupted. The crowd responded to his comments by yelling “Send her back,” echoing chants from his first term.
A translated version of Omar’s remarks pushed the backlash even further. In the translation, she said the U.S. government would act according to the wishes of Somali Americans. She also said Somalia’s interests would be protected as long as she served in Congress.
Omar said the U.S. would not support efforts that violate Somalia’s territorial rights. She told the audience to rest easy, insisting she would defend Somalia from inside the American political system.
Republican leadership reacted immediately when the clip first appeared in 2024, as Trending Politics reported.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN) called Omar’s comments unacceptable and said they violated her oath of office.
Emmer said Omar’s statements were a slap in the face to Minnesotans. He said elected officials are expected to defend American interests, not those of another nation.
Musk’s post brought renewed scrutiny to the remarks. The tech executive told his millions of followers that the comments raised serious questions. He said they appeared to prioritize Somalia over the United States.
Omar responded on Tuesday night after Trump mentioned her during the rally. She dismissed his attacks and said the president was fixated on her.
Omar said Trump needed help and claimed he had no policies to promote. She accused him of repeating bigoted falsehoods to distract from larger issues facing the nation.
The Minnesota lawmaker has long been at the center of controversies surrounding her comments on foreign policy. Her critics argue she frequently echoes positions that benefit Somalia, while her supporters say she advocates for her community.
The latest uproar shows how past statements continue to follow lawmakers into new political cycles. High-profile figures like Musk can elevate old clips into national debates within minutes.
The confrontation also underscores the tension between Trump and Omar. Their feud has repeatedly spilled into public view and continues to energize both sides of the political divide.
