U.S. Billionaire Elon Musk, questions loyalty of Somali-American Rep. Ilhan Omar and NYC Mayor-elect Mamdani amid resurfaced video and Trump’s criticism.
Elon Musk has accused Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) of “treason” over 2024 remarks in which she promised to safeguard Somali interests while representing Minnesota’s Somali community, sparking renewed debate over dual loyalties and immigrant representation in U.S. politics.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO highlighted a video on X, in which Omar addressed constituents in the Twin Cities, home to the largest Somali population outside Africa. In the clip, she assured supporters that the U.S. government would act in accordance with Somali interests and specifically vowed to prevent Ethiopia from establishing a naval base on Somaliland’s coast.
“The U.S. government will do what we ask it to do… As long as I am in Congress, Somalia will never be in danger, its waters will not be stolen by Ethiopia or others. Sleep in comfort, knowing I am here to protect the interests of Somalia from inside the U.S. system,” Omar said, according to a translation of her remarks. She stressed that most Somali migrants, including herself, arrived as refugees and are not undocumented.
Read Also: Elon Musk: Calls For Abolishing EU, Strengthen Member States
Musk extended his critique to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, suggesting that leaders born abroad may not fully align with U.S. interests. Speaking on the Katie Miller Podcast, Musk, a South African immigrant, said: “Ilhan Omar…or Mamdani, who was voted to be mayor by a majority of people not born in America… We just don’t want to turn into, you know, a communist hellhole, basically.”
The resurfaced video gained traction after President Donald Trump attacked Omar at a Pennsylvania rally on Tuesday December 9, 2025. Trump claimed she prioritized Somalia over the U.S., criticized the Somali community in Minnesota, and called for her removal while the crowd chanted “Send her back!” He also criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over fraud cases involving Somali immigrants, which reportedly cost the state about $1 billion.
Omar responded on X, calling Trump’s attacks “beyond weird” and labeling him a “national embarrassment.”
Mamdani, a self-described Democratic socialist, won the New York mayoral race with 43% of the vote, capturing 62% of the foreign-born vote and 82% of young female voters aged 18–29.
The controversy highlights growing scrutiny of U.S. lawmakers representing immigrant communities and illustrates how social media amplification by high-profile figures can rapidly turn localized remarks into national political flashpoints. Analysts note the episode underscores broader questions about loyalty, representation, and the intersection of domestic politics with global diaspora issues.
At the moment, Elon Musk, Ilhan Omar, and Zohran Mamdani, have not responded to requests for comment.
