NEWS
Trump Calls for Deportation of Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib After State of the Union Disruption
Former President Donald Trump ignited controversy after calling for Representatives Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib to be deported following a disruption during his State of the Union address.
Speaking to supporters after the speech, Trump criticized the two Democratic lawmakers, referring to them as “low IQ” and suggesting that “we should send them back from where they came.
” His remarks quickly drew strong reactions from both allies and critics, intensifying the already heated political climate surrounding the annual presidential address.
The incident occurred during Trump’s State of the Union speech, where tensions were high as partisan divisions played out inside the chamber.
While brief interruptions and visible protests have become more common in recent years, this particular exchange escalated beyond the chamber when Trump addressed it publicly afterward.
Omar, who represents Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District, was born in Somalia and became a U.S. citizen in 2000.
Tlaib, who represents Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, was born in Detroit, Michigan. Both lawmakers are American citizens and were duly elected to Congress.
Legal experts have long noted that deportation does not apply to U.S.-born citizens and cannot be imposed on naturalized citizens without extraordinary legal circumstances.
The comments echoed similar rhetoric from Trump in previous years, including controversial statements made during his presidency about members of Congress and immigration.
Supporters of Trump argue that his remarks were a response to what they described as disrespectful behavior during a formal constitutional address.
Critics, however, condemned the deportation suggestion as inflammatory and racially charged.
Democratic leaders were quick to defend Omar and Tlaib, calling Trump’s statements inappropriate and dangerous.
Civil rights advocates also expressed concern about language they say undermines democratic norms and targets elected officials based on background or ethnicity.
As the fallout continues, the exchange underscores the deep political divisions that persist in Washington.
With the election cycle approaching, moments like these are likely to remain flashpoints in an already polarized national debate.
