WASHINGTON, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric against Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) during his ninth Cabinet meeting, delivering one of his most personal verbal attacks against the Minnesota congresswoman to date. In remarks that immediately ignited controversy, Trump labeled Omar “garbage” and suggested she and her supporters should “go back to where they came from.”
Speaking before Cabinet members and invited guests, Trump launched into an extended critique of immigration, loyalty, and what he described as “failed assimilation,” tying those themes directly to Omar.
“We could go one way or the other and we’re going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country,” Trump said. “Ilhan Omar is garbage. She’s garbage. Her friends are garbage.”
The former president accused Omar and other progressive Democrats of criticizing the United States while failing to contribute positively to national progress:
“These are people that do nothing but complain,” Trump continued. “They complain. And from where they came from, they got nothing… When they come from hell and they complain and do nothing but bitch, we don’t want them in our country.”
He then returned to a familiar line he has used in previous political clashes:
“Let them go back to where they came from and fix it up.”
Background: Trump’s Long-Running Feud with Omar
Trump has repeatedly targeted Omar—one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress—since 2019, often focusing on her refugee background and Somali heritage. His “go back” comments echo his previous attacks on the group of progressive lawmakers known as “The Squad,” which drew national and international criticism at the time.
Omar, a U.S. citizen since childhood, has become a frequent target in Trump’s campaign messaging as he pushes for sweeping immigration restrictions, denaturalization policies, and expanded deportation powers.
Cabinet Meeting Context
The remarks were delivered during Trump’s 9th Cabinet meeting, part of an ongoing series he uses to spotlight his administration-in-waiting and outline priorities ahead of the 2026 midterms and potential 2028 policy agenda. The meeting focused heavily on immigration, “national cohesion,” and what Trump described as “restoring American identity.”
His comments about Omar overshadowed the policy components of the meeting and quickly began circulating online.
Political Reaction
Democratic leaders condemned the remarks as racist, dangerous, and incendiary, noting the rise in threats faced by Muslim and Black lawmakers. Human rights groups also criticized the framing of migrants as “garbage.”
Republican responses were split—some defended Trump’s tone as “blunt honesty,” while others privately expressed concern that the rhetoric could undermine outreach efforts in key swing states with large immigrant populations.
Omar has not yet issued a formal statement, though aides indicated she is preparing a response.
