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Somalia’s Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi has spoken out in strong support of U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar after former U.S. President Donald Trump launched fresh attacks against her Somali heritage.
In a message shared on Facebook, Fiqi expressed solidarity with the Minnesota lawmaker, saying that if Omar was being targeted because of her identity, he would stand firmly by her side. “If our daughter is being targeted for her identity, I will stand firmly with her. As the Somali Defense Minister, I am making it clear that I stand with Ilhan,” he wrote.
Fiqi praised Omar as a symbol of resilience and determination, describing her as “a role model for society” who reached success without depending on anyone else. He criticized those who use her background as a weapon, saying no one has the right to insult Somalia simply because Omar was born there.
His comments came after Trump once again renewed his criticism of Omar, calling for her impeachment and attacking Somalia as a country. On Thursday, speaking in the wake of a close U.S. House of Representatives vote that blocked a Republican effort to censure Omar, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social that Somalia is “consistently ranked among the world’s most corrupt countries, including bribery, embezzlement, and a dysfunctional government.” He added, “All of this, and Ilhan Omar tells us how to run America!”
Trump’s latest remarks sparked sharp reactions both in the United States and abroad. For many Somali officials and citizens, his words were seen not just as an attack on Omar, but also as an insult to the Somali people. Fiqi’s defense of Omar highlighted the pride many Somalis feel in seeing one of their own rise to prominence in American politics, despite facing hostility and prejudice.
This is not the first time Omar has found herself the target of Trump’s words. During his presidency in 2019, he infamously told her and three other Democratic congresswomen of color to “go back” to the countries they came from, a statement that drew widespread condemnation for its racist undertones. Later that year, at one of his rallies, Trump’s supporters began chanting “send her back” as he criticized Omar on stage, further fueling controversy over the hostility directed at her.
Despite these repeated attacks, Omar has remained firm in her role as a progressive voice in Congress. Representing Minnesota’s 5th District since 2019, she has championed policies on social justice, immigration reform, and foreign policy, often clashing with Republicans and even some Democrats. While her positions have made her a frequent target of political opponents, her story as a Somali refugee who rose to become one of the most recognizable Muslim women in American politics has also made her an inspiration to many around the world.
Fiqi’s message of support adds to a chorus of voices defending Omar’s right to serve without being singled out for her heritage. By calling her “our daughter,” he not only emphasized Somalia’s connection to her but also underlined the importance of protecting individuals who are unfairly attacked for their identity. His words echoed the feelings of many Somalis who view Omar’s success as a source of pride and a reminder of what their diaspora community can achieve.
The Defense Minister’s statement also highlighted a broader truth about the challenges faced by immigrants and minorities in public life. Omar’s career has been defined not only by her legislative work but also by her resilience in the face of relentless scrutiny and personal attacks. Support from leaders like Fiqi shows how her journey continues to resonate far beyond the borders of the United States.
As Trump’s comments reignite debates over racism, identity, and belonging in American politics, Omar’s defenders are standing firm, insisting that her presence in Congress represents both progress and possibility. For Somalia, Fiqi’s show of solidarity signals that while critics may seek to use Omar’s roots against her, she will continue to be celebrated as a symbol of strength, determination, and representation for her people.