Today in Focus Ilhan Omar on Trump’s attacks on Somali-Americans
Dec 17, 2025
David Smith, The Guardian's Washington bureau chief, interviews Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American congresswoman. They discuss the personal toll of Trump's attacks, revealing his targeted remarks stemming from Islamophobia. Omar shares insights into her experiences with past threats and the impact on the Somali community in Minnesota. Smith highlights the community's resilience, the political implications of Trump's rhetoric, and ongoing fears of immigration crackdowns, underscoring the urgent need for understanding and advocacy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Family Scene In Omar's Capitol Office
- David Smith describes meeting Ilhan Omar in her Capitol Hill office with family and their lively Labrador, Teddy.
- The dog changed a formal interview into a warm, family scene that humanised Omar.
Rhetoric Correlates With Threats
- Ilhan Omar links Trump's rhetoric directly to spikes in threats and political violence against her.
- She notes death threats rose under Trump, fell under Biden, and have risen again now.
Size And Citizenship Of Somali Community
- Minneapolis–St Paul hosts the largest Somali community in the US, concentrated and largely naturalised.
- The community is politically significant despite making up under 10% of Omar's district.