President Trump on Monday called out freshman Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) over what he believed was an insufficient apology for using anti-Semitic tropes over the weekend.
“I think she should be ashamed of herself," Trump told reporters on Air Force One on his way to El Paso, Texas, for a rally.
"I think it was a terrible statement, and I don’t think her apology was adequate,” he added.
When asked what a better apology would’ve looked like, Trump commented that "she knows what to say."
Omar issued a statement for the following tweets:
It's all about the Benjamins baby ?? https://t.co/KatcXJnZLV
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 10, 2019
AIPAC! https://t.co/UdzaFUEfrh
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 11, 2019
"Anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes," Omar said in her apology.
"My intention is never to offend my constituents or Jewish Americans as a whole. We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me for my identity. This is why I unequivocally apologize."
Listening and learning, but standing strong ???? pic.twitter.com/7TSroSf8h1
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 11, 2019
Democratic House Leadership all came down on Omar for the comments.
“We are and will always be strong supporters of Israel in Congress because we understand that our support is based on shared values and strategic interests. Legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies is protected by the values of free speech and democratic debate that the United States and Israel share," Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, Assistant Speaker Ben Ray Luján, Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries and Caucus Vice Chair Katherine Clark said in a statement. "But Congresswoman Omar’s use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israel’s supporters is deeply offensive. We condemn these remarks and we call upon Congresswoman Omar to immediately apologize for these hurtful comments."
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