Elon Musk reposted a January 2024 video of Rep. Ilhan Omar addressing Somali-American constituents in Minnesota and wrote, "This sounds like treason." In the clip, Omar pledged to protect Somaliland's coastline from perceived outside control and said, "The U.S. government will do what we ask it to do." The resurfacing of the video coincided with former President Trump's critical remarks at a Pennsylvania rally; Omar called Trump's fixation "beyond weird."
Elon Musk Labels Ilhan Omar's Remarks 'Treason' After Viral Video on Somali Interests
Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., speak during a news conference.
Elon Musk sparked controversy by reposting a January 2024 video of Rep. Ilhan Omar speaking to Somali-American constituents in Minnesota and writing, "This sounds like treason" on X.
The clip, originally recorded in the Twin Cities, shows Omar addressing concerns about a potential Ethiopian naval presence along the coast of the breakaway Republic of Somaliland. A translation of her remarks quoted her saying, "The U.S. government will do what we ask it to do," as she urged Somali-Americans to be confident in their influence and place in the United States.
What the Video Shows
In the translated excerpt, Omar told supporters that Somalis living in the U.S. should be proud, noting that they are taxpayers and that one of their daughters serves in Congress. She pledged to oppose efforts she believed would allow foreign actors to seize control of Somaliland's coastal assets: "While I am in Congress, no one will take Somalia's sea, and the U.S. government won't support others to rob us. Don't stress over it, Minnesotans."
President Donald Trump delivers remarks during an event at Mount Airy Casino Resort Dec. 9, 2025, in Mount Pocono, Pa.
Political Fallout
The resurfacing of the footage came as former President Donald Trump attacked Omar at a Pennsylvania rally. Trump used derogatory language about her background, urged she be removed from the country, and prompted chants of "Send her back!" from the crowd. He also cited a string of fraud arrests involving Somali immigrants in Minnesota—media reports have estimated the financial impact of those alleged schemes at roughly $1 billion—and criticized Governor Tim Walz for overseeing the state during that period.
Ilhan Omar responded on X, calling Trump's fixation on her "beyond weird" and saying, "He needs serious help… He continues to be a national embarrassment."
Context And Sources
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali refugee community in the United States, and many members of that community live within Omar's congressional district. The translation of the clip circulated online and gained renewed attention after Musk's repost. Fox News Digital reported the exchange and said it had reached out to both Elon Musk and Rep. Omar for comment.
Note: Accusations of treason are serious and political in nature. The video shows campaign-style remarks aimed at a specific diaspora community and has been interpreted differently across political audiences. The original clip was recorded in January 2024 and has since been widely circulated and translated.
