Trump says lawmakers Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib should be removed from US
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Congress members Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, calling them "crooked" and suggesting they should be deported after they protested during his State of the Union address. The two Democratic lawmakers interrupted Trump's speech to voice their opposition to his administration's immigration policies, which he praised during the address. Omar, a Somali American representative from Minnesota, accused Trump of being responsible for the deaths of two constituents killed by federal officers during immigration protests. Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress, responded with a sharp rebuke on social media, using an Arabic term that translates to "fanatical" or "possessed."
Trump's response was swift and harsh. On his Truth Social platform, he described the lawmakers as having "bloodshot eyes" and behaving like "lunatics," suggesting they should be removed from the country. His comments came after Omar and Tlaib joined other Democratic lawmakers in protesting Trump's remarks about ending "sanctuary cities," which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The incident highlights the deepening divide between Trump and progressive Democrats, particularly those of color.
The controversy also underscores broader tensions over immigration policy and racial representation in government. Omar's district includes Minneapolis, where Trump has imposed strict immigration enforcement measures. Tlaib's response reflects growing frustration among minority lawmakers facing relentless attacks from the White House. The incident further complicates efforts to heal divisions in American politics, with critics arguing that Trump's remarks dehumanize immigrants and undermine democratic norms.
This episode matters because it reveals the volatile state of US politics and the ongoing clash between progressive voices and the administration. It also sheds light on the challenges faced by minority representatives who face relentless scrutiny and hostility for speaking out against government policies. As the 2
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026