Debunked Allegation Haunts Omar—Trump’s Bold Move

Man speaks at podium with U.S. flag background.

A long-debunked allegation resurfaces as Trump targets Ilhan Omar, reviving claims that she “married her brother” for immigration fraud.

Story Highlights

Trump reignites controversy over Omar’s alleged marriage for immigration fraud.
Claims aim to question Omar’s citizenship and push anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Allegations are widely debunked, yet still used to attack Somali communities.
Omar dismisses allegations as racist smears lacking evidence.

Trump’s Renewed Allegations Against Ilhan Omar

In late 2025, Donald Trump once again brought up the controversial and debunked claim that Congresswoman Ilhan Omar married her brother to commit immigration fraud. Speaking aboard Air Force One and later at the White House, Trump suggested that if these claims were true, Omar should lose her U.S. citizenship and be expelled from the country. This accusation, which has been refuted by multiple fact-checkers, is part of Trump’s broader attack on Somali immigrants, whom he accuses of crime and fraud.

Omar has repeatedly denied these accusations, asserting that they are rooted in racism and Islamophobia. The claim originated from fringe blogs and has been consistently debunked by mainstream media. Nevertheless, Trump continues to use it as a tool to question Omar’s legitimacy as a U.S. citizen and to promote harsh immigration policies against Somali communities in Minnesota.

Impact on Somali Communities

Trump’s rhetoric has significant implications for Somali immigrants in Minnesota, one of the largest Somali communities in the United States. He has accused them of turning Minnesota into a “hellhole” and contributing nothing to the U.S. economy. Such statements not only escalate racial tensions but also fuel anti-immigrant sentiment nationwide. Despite the lack of evidence supporting Trump’s claims, his statements have prompted concern about potential policy changes that could affect Somali immigrants, including the removal of temporary protected status (TPS) and the halting of asylum decisions.

These political strategies are seen as part of a nativist approach, using unsubstantiated personal allegations against Omar to justify broader anti-immigration rhetoric. This pattern of using identity-based conspiracy theories to attack political opponents is reminiscent of past tactics used against figures like Barack Obama.

Omar’s Rebuttal and Media Coverage

Ilhan Omar has addressed Trump’s allegations, describing his fixation on her as “creepy” and reaffirming her status as a naturalized U.S. citizen. She emphasizes that the claim about her marriage is entirely baseless and has no grounding in official records. Major media outlets continue to report on the lack of evidence for Trump’s allegations, highlighting the story as a case study in disinformation. Omar remains a vocal advocate for immigrant communities, denouncing the attacks as part of a larger campaign against minorities and refugees.

Despite these challenges, Omar maintains her position in Congress, asserting that she will likely outlast Trump’s political relevance. Meanwhile, Trump’s allies on social media continue to amplify the allegations, ensuring they remain part of the political discourse.