Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota drew backlash last week after claiming that the United States is becoming “one of the worst countries in the world,” citing concerns over the erosion of civil liberties and militarization under President Donald Trump.
Speaking in an interview with Democracy Now! posted Friday, Omar—who immigrated to the U.S. after fleeing war-torn Somalia—criticized what she sees as the nation’s alarming drift away from democratic principles.
“I grew up under a dictatorship, and I don’t even remember witnessing anything like this,” Omar said. “To have a democracy—a beacon of hope for the world—now being turned into one of the worst countries, where the military are in our streets with no regard for people’s constitutional rights… it’s horrifying.”
Omar’s remarks were made shortly before Trump’s military parade on June 14, held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event also coincided with Flag Day and Trump’s 79th birthday. Omar accused the former president of staging a spectacle more befitting an authoritarian regime than a democratic nation.
“Our president is spending millions to prop himself up like a failed dictator,” she said. “It should be a wake-up call to Americans. This is not the country we were born in, not the country we believe in, and certainly not the one our Founding Fathers envisioned.”
The congresswoman, a vocal member of the progressive “Squad” in the House, went further, accusing Trump of undermining American values.
“The person who’s destroying our country is Trump. He’s the one fueling hatred against our ideals, our Constitution, and everything we’ve built,” she added. “Protest and dissent are protected by the First Amendment. That’s not a threat—it’s a right.”
Critics Slam Omar’s Remarks as Unpatriotic
Omar’s comments sparked sharp criticism online and from conservative commentators, who labeled her statements as extreme and ungrateful.
Fox News contributor Guy Benson posted a clip from the interview on X, calling her rhetoric “appalling” and adding, “Her astounding ingratitude makes it worse.”
OutKick columnist David Hookstead responded by reminding the public of America’s efforts in Somalia.
“If people are seriously offended by a parade for the first time in decades, then go outside and touch some grass,” Hookstead wrote. “We have the greatest military on the planet. Our soldiers died trying to save lives in Somalia—something that apparently doesn’t matter to Congresswoman Omar.”
Despite the backlash, Omar has stood by her remarks, continuing to frame Trump’s actions as dangerous and authoritarian, and warning that more Americans should take notice before it’s too late.