PHILADELPHIA — Rep. Ilhan Omar said she likely loves the U.S. more than anyone who was born in the country while responding to attacks that she is anti-American.
“There is something I get criticized for all the time,” she said Saturday, speaking on a panel about foreign policy at Netroots Nation.
“It is that I am anti-American because I criticize the United States. I believe, as an immigrant, I probably love this country more than anyone that is naturally born,” Omar said.
The Minnesota congresswoman said the U.S. exports “American exceptionalism,” but it does not live those values domestically.
“So, that hypocrisy is one that I’m bothered by. I want America the great to be America the great,” she said.
Omar and her family fled civil war in Somalia for a Kenyan refugee camp and then arrived in the U.S. at age 12. She has said America did not meet her expectations because of discrimination and racism.
This past week, Fox News host Tucker Carlson argued that Omar is not thankful enough for her success in America. “Omar has an awful lot to be grateful for,” he said. “But she isn’t grateful. … She hates this country more than ever.”
Omar fired back in a tweet calling Carlson a “racist fool.”
“No lies will stamp out my love for this country or my resolve to make our union more perfect,” she said.
