Trump Attacks Ilhan Omar with Personal Remarks About Sisters
Former President Donald Trump, campaigning in Florida, made unusual comments about his family while criticizing Congresswoman Ilhan Omar over allegations she married her brother.
During a midterm rally in Daytona Beach, Florida, Donald Trump launched into a series of remarks that included personal statements about his sisters and criticism of Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Trump, 80, addressed allegations that Omar married her brother, stating, "I did not marry my sister!" to laughter from the crowd.
He continued, "I had two lovely, lovely (sisters). I have one left, Elizabeth, she's great. But I have never proposed to them. They're beautiful, but I was never, I was never particularly attracted to either of them. It's not my deal."
Trump's deceased sister, Maryanne Trump Barry, was a federal appeals judge, and his only living sibling, Elizabeth Trump Grau, is 84. His comments drew criticism online, with conservative commentator Richard Hanania remarking on X, "He's genuinely losing it."
The former president's statements regarding his sisters were a pointed reference to accusations against Omar, who has been accused of marrying her brother, Ahmed Nur Said Elmi, in 2009 and divorcing him in 2017. Omar has denied these claims, asserting that Elmi is not her brother and that the marriage was not for immigration purposes. The Department of Justice has reportedly opened an investigation into the allegations.
At the rally, Trump sarcastically referred to Omar as "one of my favorite congresspeople" and stated she was "someone I have great respect for." He was in Florida to support Republican candidates, including gubernatorial frontrunner Byron Donalds and Ashley Moody.
Republican Congressman Randy Fine, who also spoke at the rally, directed sharp criticism at Democrats, specifically naming Omar, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Fine, who is Jewish, suggested that Omar should be expelled from Congress if evidence shows she is not a U.S. citizen. He also claimed that these Democrats "hate America" and aim for the country's "destruction" by seeking to "overrun us with Third-World migrants."
Trump also addressed speculation about his health, noting a raspy voice and complaining about the demanding campaign schedule. He pushed back against reports suggesting he was ill, telling a reporter that the question itself indicated sickness.