U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar listens as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 24, 2026. REUTERS/KEVIN LAMARQUE
A prominent House Democrat erupted on Tuesday night after President Donald Trump lied about the Somali community during his State of the Union address.
"When it comes to the corruption that has been plundering America, there is no more stunning example than what's been happening in Minnesota," Trump said, referring to a years-old investigation into social services fraud in the state. Since 2018, the Department of Justice has charged more than 90 people and secured 60 convictions for social services fraud, according to a report.
"Members of the Somali community have pillaged about $19 billion from the American taxpayers. We have all the information," Trump continued. "The number may be much higher than that."
Trump's comments sparked a fiery response from Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN), a Somali-American, who shouted out at the president during his speech.
"That's a lie!" Omar yelled.