In a fresh swipe at Somalia-born US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, US President Donald Trump has repeated his long-debunked claim that she married her brother to enter the United States. Trump posted the remarks on Truth Social, where he also targeted Omar’s hijab and accused her of hating America.
Trump wrote, “Ilhan Omar, always wrapped in her swaddling hijab, and who probably came into the USA illegally in that you are not allowed to marry your brother, does nothing but hatefully complain about our country, its Constitution, and how badly she is treated.” He called Omar “the worst Congressman/woman” and described Somalia as a “decadent, backward, and crime-ridden nation”.
Fact Check: Marriage Claim is True or False?
The allegation that Ilhan Omar married her brother has circulated for years. Several major US media outlets, independent fact-checkers, and state records have proved the claim false. Omar denied the allegation in 2016, calling it “absolutely false and ridiculous” and issued her full marital history.
Investigations found no evidence that the man she married was her biological or legal sibling. The theory originated from anonymous online forums and was later amplified by political opponents.
Trump Repeats Old Claims Amid Growing Political Rhetoric
This is not Trump’s first attack on Omar. In September, he made similar comments on Truth Social. He wrote, “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.”
He also added, “Wasn’t she the one who married her brother 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!”
The renewed attack comes at a politically charged moment, as Trump intensifies his messaging ahead of the 2024 race. Targeting Omar — a member of the progressive “Squad” — has long been a part of his political strategy to appeal to his conservative base.
Hijab Remarks Draw Fresh Criticism
Trump’s attack on Omar’s hijab has sparked strong criticism from civil rights groups and several lawmakers in the past. Rights organisations say such comments contribute to rising Islamophobia in the US, especially towards visibly Muslim women in public office.
Advocates note that Omar has already faced a high volume of threats, harassment, and hate speech online — much of it connected to her religious identity.
Targeting Women of Color in US Politics?
Trump’s comments highlight a broader trend seen in US politics, where women of color — especially Black, Muslim, and immigrant lawmakers — face disproportionate political and personal attacks. Analysts say these attacks are often used to energise certain voter groups and frame political narratives based on identity.
Omar remains one of the most visible Muslim lawmakers in US history. Her supporters argue that attacks like Trump’s attempt to undermine minority representation and distract from policy issues.
Despite repeated claims, no legal case or official inquiry has ever found wrongdoing in Omar’s immigration or marital history.
