A resurfaced video of Rep. Ilhan Omar delivering remarks to a Somali audience in 2024 has ignited renewed political debate following a contentious State of the Union address this week, intensifying scrutiny over questions of allegiance, immigration policy and partisan divisions in Washington.
Illhan Omar under Joe Biden:
— Christian Collins (@CollinsforTX) February 25, 2026
"The U.S. government will only do what Somalians in the U.S. tell them to do! They will do what we want and nothing else."
Ilhan was enraged at Trump's SOTU because we finally have a President who will call the Somali fraud out. pic.twitter.com/x79NHkAiZ9
The video, recorded during President Joe Biden’s administration, shows Omar addressing Somalians about U.S. foreign policy and her role in Congress. In the speech, she said: “My answer to Somalians was, that the US government will only do what Somalians in the US tell them to do! 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. We Somalians must have that confidence in ourselves that we call for the shots in the US. We live in the US, pay taxes in the US and have a real voice. The US is a country where one of your daughters (mvself) is in conaress to represent vour interest. for as long as I am in the US Congress, Somalia will never be in danger, its waters (Indian Ocean) will never be stolen by Ethiopia or others. The US would not dare to support anyone against Somalia to steal our land or oceans. Sleep in comfort, knowing I am here to protect the ‘interests of Somalia from inside the US svstem. The woman (myself) you sent to Congress is working day and night to protect your interest. She knows your plight and that of Somalia. I am as concerned about Somalia as you guys are. Together we will protect the interests of Somalia”.
The video circulated widely on social media after President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union address of his second term on February 24, 2026. A caption accompanying the clip read: “Illhan Omar under Joe Biden: ‘The U.S. government will only do what Somalians in the U.S. tell them to do! They will do what we want and nothing else.’ Ilhan was enraged at Trump’s SOTU because we finally have a President who will call the Somali fraud out.”
The renewed attention comes amid heightened tensions in the House chamber during Trump’s address. As the president outlined his immigration agenda, he challenged lawmakers to stand if they agreed that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.” Republican members rose and applauded, while most Democrats remained seated.
WOW
— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) February 25, 2026
President Trump invites Congress to stand if they agree that the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.
Republicans give him a standing ovation, and Democrats stay seated.
"You should be ashamed of yourself." pic.twitter.com/h1ZrHs3LSZ
Omar, who represents a Minnesota district with a significant Somali American population, stayed seated and instead shouted in response, “You have killed Americans! You should be ashamed!”
After the address, Trump escalated the confrontation in a lengthy social media post, writing that “when you watch Low IQ Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, as they screamed uncontrollably last night at the very elegant State of the Union, such an important and beautiful event,” they appeared “mentally deranged and sick.” He added that “when people can behave like that, and knowing that they are Crooked and Corrupt Politicians, so bad for our Country, we should send them back from where they came — as fast as possible.” The president further stated, “They can only damage the United States of America, they can do nothing to help it.”
When you watch Low IQ Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, as they screamed uncontrollably last night at the very elegant State of the Union, such an important and beautiful event, they had the bulging, bloodshot eyes of crazy people, LUNATICS, mentally deranged and sick who, frankly,…
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) February 25, 2026
The exchange inside the chamber and the resurfaced video quickly fueled a broader debate over allegiance and representation. Former collegiate swimmer and conservative commentator Riley Gaines questioned whether members of Congress who declined to stand during the president’s remarks were fit to serve. “How is it not disqualifying for a member of congress to be unable to pledge allegiance to America and it’s citizens? Like seriously, is that not treasonous? It’s an act of betrayal,” she wrote on social media.
How is it not disqualifying for a member of congress to be unable to pledge allegiance to America and it's citizens?
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) February 25, 2026
Like seriously, is that not treasonous? It's an act of betrayal.
The resurfaced remarks by Omar have amplified longstanding criticism from some Republicans and conservative activists who argue that her comments demonstrate divided loyalties. Supporters of the congresswoman, however, have previously argued that her statements reflect advocacy for constituents and for a country of origin shared by many in her district.
The confrontation on the House floor, Trump’s subsequent comments, and the renewed circulation of Omar’s 2024 speech underscore the deepening polarization surrounding immigration and national identity as the 2026 political cycle accelerates.
