NOTE: VIDEO AT THE END OF THE ARTICLE.
In June 2025, a Fox News segment featuring conservative commentator Ben Domenech ignited a firestorm of criticism after he suggested that Representative Ilhan Omar should “buy a one-way ticket to Somalia.” The comment, made during an episode of The Ingraham Angle guest-hosted by Brian Kilmeade, was widely denounced as racist and xenophobic, intensifying the ongoing debate surrounding Omar’s outspoken political views.
Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born U.S. congresswoman and member of the progressive “Squad,” has been a frequent target of conservative backlash, particularly following her recent remarks describing the United States as “one of the worst countries in the world.” Omar’s comments were made during an interview on Democracy Now! where she criticized the increasing militarization of the country and likened some of President Donald Trump’s policies to those of authoritarian regimes.
In response, Ben Domenech, co-founder of The Federalist and Fox News contributor, sharply criticized Omar on-air. Domenech mentioned that a one-way ticket from Minneapolis, where Omar represents a district, to Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, costs less than $3,000 — a price Domenech implied Omar could afford on her congressional salary. He suggested that Omar should take such a flight and leave the country, insinuating that she was ungrateful for American citizenship and opportunities.
Brian Kilmeade supported Domenech’s remarks by adding that if Omar took the flight, she would likely be the only passenger, suggesting she could even sit in first class. The segment’s tone and language were widely perceived as dismissive and inflammatory, with many accusing the commentators of perpetuating racist stereotypes and fueling xenophobic sentiments against immigrants and people of color.
The backlash was swift and extensive. Critics pointed out that Omar, who fled civil war in Somalia as a child, earned her U.S. citizenship at 17 and has been an active advocate for human rights and progressive reform. Labeling her comments as unpatriotic overlooks the broader context of her critique, which centers on defending constitutional rights and addressing systemic injustices within the United States.
Advocates for Omar called the Fox News segment “pure unadulterated racism” and argued that such rhetoric contributes to a toxic political environment that dehumanizes public figures based on their ethnicity and immigrant backgrounds.
This incident highlights the deep divisions within American political discourse, where rhetoric often escalates beyond policy disagreement into personal attacks steeped in race and identity politics. It also underscores the challenges faced by public figures like Omar, who navigate political scrutiny while representing marginalized communities.
As the debate continues, many observers urge for more respectful dialogue that engages ideas rather than resorting to ad hominem attacks and xenophobic commentary. Meanwhile, Ilhan Omar remains a prominent and vocal figure in U.S. politics, continuing to advocate for her constituents and progressive causes despite facing persistent criticism.
PLAY:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RB1kr97yysA
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
