Ilhan Omar Sparks Backlash Over Trump 'Pedophile' Remark

Congresswoman's social media post draws criticism from political opponents

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar is facing backlash after referring to former President Donald Trump as the 'leader of the Pedophile Protection Party' in a social media post. The remarks, which also referenced execution in Somalia, quickly went viral and prompted calls for disciplinary action in Congress.

Why it matters

The controversy reflects the increasingly heated political rhetoric and breakdown of civil discourse, with lawmakers using social media to engage in sharp exchanges. Omar's comments about Trump have drawn criticism from political opponents, who argue the language crossed a line.

The details

In her X (formerly Twitter) post, Omar accused Trump of attempting to deflect attention from scrutiny surrounding his name appearing in discussions about the Epstein case. Some critics are urging House leadership, including Mike Johnson, to consider formal censure or removal from committee assignments for Omar. Supporters say her comments were meant as political criticism, while detractors contend they went too far.

  • The remarks were made on February 11, 2026.

The players

Ilhan Omar

A U.S. Representative from Minnesota's 5th congressional district and a member of the Democratic Party.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has been the subject of scrutiny regarding his connections to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Mike Johnson

A U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 4th congressional district and a member of the Republican Party.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the increasingly divisive and partisan nature of political discourse in the United States, with lawmakers using social media to engage in sharp exchanges and make inflammatory remarks about their opponents. It raises questions about the appropriate boundaries of political rhetoric and the potential consequences for public officials who cross those lines.