Mount Pocono, PA – December 10, 2025 – In a fiery speech ostensibly focused on economic policies ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, President Donald Trump shifted into personal attacks on Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), questioning the presence of Somalis in the audience and reiterating baseless claims about the congresswoman’s background.
Speaking at the Mount Airy Casino Resort on Tuesday, Trump paused to ask the crowd, “Are there any Somalis here?” before launching into criticism of Omar, a Somali-born U.S. citizen and one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress. He described her as a “constant complainer” who wears a “little turban,” an apparent derogatory reference to her hijab, the traditional headscarf worn by many Muslim women.
Trump then revived an unfounded allegation that Omar had married her brother to obtain U.S. citizenship—a claim that has been repeatedly debunked but continues to circulate in conservative circles. “We gotta send her back,” Trump declared, echoing rhetoric from his 2019 rallies that targeted Omar and other minority lawmakers. The audience responded enthusiastically, breaking into chants of “Send her back!” that reverberated through the venue.
The event, billed as a discussion of Trump’s economic vision—including tax cuts, deregulation, and job-creation strategies—was overshadowed by these inflammatory remarks. Trump also defended his past comments labeling certain nations as “shithole countries,” arguing that it was necessary to highlight global disparities. He pledged to implement “migration pauses” from countries like Somalia if Republicans regain control in the midterms, framing the measure as a way to protect American workers and resources.
Omar, who represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, has not yet publicly responded to the latest attacks. Her office did not immediately return requests for comment. Critics, including Democratic leaders, condemned Trump’s rhetoric as divisive and xenophobic, while supporters praised it as unfiltered truth-telling.
This incident comes amid heightened political tensions as both parties gear up for the 2026 elections, with immigration and economic inequality emerging as key battleground issues. Trump’s appearance in Pennsylvania, a pivotal swing state, underscores his ongoing influence within the GOP despite not holding public office.
