US Representative Ilhan Omar has responded to President Donald Trump’s demand that she resign from Congress, accusing him of promoting unsubstantiated conspiracy theories and using the Justice Department to target political opponents.
The Minnesota Democrat issued her response on X on Friday, following reports about a federal court filing that referred to her by an alternative name.
“The pedophile protection party’s president is laundering right-wing conspiracy theories through the most corrupt DOJ in American history,” Omar wrote.
She also accused Trump of turning to allegations against her whenever his administration faces negative publicity.
“Whenever the news turns bad, this creep reaches for one name: mine. So let’s make it crystal clear. My name has always been Ilhan Omar,” she said.
Omar concluded her response with a remark directed at Vice President JD Vance, writing: “Maybe you should focus on what your VP’s real name is.”
Trump Demands Omar Resign After Court Filing Emerges
The exchange followed Trump’s call for Omar to leave Congress after reports highlighted a federal court document that referred to her as “Ilhan Nur Said Elmi, a/k/a Ilhan Abdullahi Omar.”
According to Fox News, the filing was submitted by prosecutors seeking to keep documents sealed in connection with an October 12 search of Omar’s Washington, DC, residence by agents from Homeland Security Investigations.
The filing came from the office of US Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Trump addressed the issue during a rally in Iowa on Thursday, arguing that the document raised questions about the name Omar used when she was elected to Congress.
“It was just revealed just a little while ago that … her name is not Ilhan Omar, the one that she used to get elected and sworn into Congress,” Trump told supporters.
He added: “She used a fake name to be sworn in. I assume she must immediately have to resign from Congress.”
The president also suggested that Republicans could gain another seat in the House of Representatives if Omar were forced to leave office.
“The Republicans have just picked up a seat in the House,” he said.
However, the appearance of an alternative name in a court filing does not, by itself, establish that Omar used a fraudulent identity or committed a crime.
Omar’s Office Rejects Claims About Her Identity
Omar’s office has rejected Trump’s allegations, insisting that the congresswoman has not misrepresented her identity.
“This is completely false. Ilhan Omar is her real name,” a spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
The spokesperson described the allegations as a “desperate smear” and criticised media coverage of the claims.
“It’s disgraceful that the media continues to give this lie oxygen,” the spokesperson said.
No publicly disclosed evidence has conclusively established that Omar used a fraudulent identity, married a relative or obtained immigration benefits fraudulently.
Former Marriage Allegations Return to Public Debate
The latest controversy has also revived longstanding allegations concerning Omar’s former marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi.
Critics have alleged that Elmi was Omar’s brother and questioned whether the marriage was arranged to secure immigration benefits. Omar has repeatedly denied the accusations.
During an interview with MS NOW host Chris Hayes on Wednesday, the congresswoman described the allegations as “insane”.
Asked whether she was related to her former husband, Omar replied: “Not to my knowledge.”
Her response has drawn further attention as the debate over her family history and marriage records continues.
Political Dispute Between Trump and Omar Intensifies
The latest exchange has intensified the longstanding conflict between Trump and Omar, one of the president’s most vocal critics in Congress.
Trump is demanding answers about Omar’s identity and eligibility to serve in the House, while the congresswoman accuses him of using allegations that have not been proven to attack her politically.
The reported search of Omar’s residence and the court filing have added to the scrutiny surrounding the dispute. However, the information made public so far has not conclusively established the alleged identity or immigration-related wrongdoing.
Both sides have maintained their positions, with Omar rejecting the accusations and Trump continuing to call for her resignation.
