The timing coincided with heightened public debate following an incident in which an Afghan refugee shot two National Guard members over the Thanksgiving holiday. That event, though unrelated to Somali migration, provided an opportunity for Trump to emphasize the dangers he believes stem from lenient refugee policies. By tying individual criminal acts to broader populations of migrants, Trump reinforced a narrative associating immigration with crime, instability, and economic drain—an approach consistent with his prior political messaging.
Omar responded publicly to Trump’s criticisms, calling him a “lying buffoon” and dismissing his claims as baseless and politically motivated. She also accused Trump of fabricating stories involving the president of Somalia, who Trump recently claimed refused to take Omar back if she were deported. Throughout her political career, Omar has repeatedly denied accusations about her personal life and immigration history, labeling them as xenophobic attacks designed to undermine her credibility. Her background as a refugee who fled civil war, lived in a Kenyan camp for several years, and ultimately became an American citizen before entering public service is integral to her political identity.
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