Democrat Ilhan Omar Tells Trump He’s ‘Killed Americans’ In Heated Exchange During State Of The Union

Forbes Business

by Sara Dorn, Forbes Staff

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

During a tense exchange at the State of the Union address, President Donald Trump directly rebuked Representative Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., telling her, "you should be ashamed of yourself" in response to her comments about U.S. immigration policy. The confrontation centered on Omar's criticism of Trump's approach to illegal immigration, which she described as harmful and divisive. This exchange underscored the ongoing political divide over immigration reform, a issue with significant implications for business and finance. Omar had previously criticized Trump's rhetoric at the border, including his claim that Democrats were responsible for deaths in the Rio Grande Valley due to their opposition to enforcement measures. In response, Trump confronted her during the address, highlighting what he described as Omar's disrespectful tone and her lack of appreciation for American sovereignty. The interaction occurred just days after Omar had called out Trump on Twitter for his handling of immigration issues. The clash between Trump and Omar reflects broader tensions over immigration's impact on business and economic policy. Business leaders often weigh in on immigration debates, as it affects labor markets, trade relations, and border security. For example, some industries rely on immigrant workers to fill jobs, while others argue that unchecked immigration strains public resources and increases government spending. This incident also highlights the growing polarization in Washington over immigration reform. As the debate continues, businesses and financial institutions remain keenly interested in how policies could shape economic growth, trade agreements, and labor costs. The State of the Union exchange serves as a reminder of how personal and political rhetoric can overshadow bipartisan cooperation on these critical issues. Ultimately, the confrontation between Trump and Omar underscores why immigration remains a key topic for readers following business and finance news. The debate over border security, asylum policies, and the economic impact of migration will likely continue to influence policy decisions in Washington, affecting industries across the country.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/25/2026