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Television personality and commentator Dr. Phil McGraw sharply criticized Minnesota Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar on Monday for recent remarks in which she described the United States as becoming one of the “worst countries” in the world.
Omar, who was born in Somalia and immigrated to the U.S., made the remarks during an interview with Democracy Now! in June. She compared the current state of the nation to a dictatorship, stating, “I mean, I grew up in a dictatorship and I don’t even remember ever witnessing anything like that—to have a democracy, a beacon of hope for the world, to now be turned into one of the, you know, one of the worst countries, where the military are in our streets without any regard for people’s constitutional rights.”
The comments came in the context of then-President Donald Trump’s military parade on Flag Day, June 14, which celebrated the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday. Omar criticized the parade as a costly spectacle intended to bolster the president’s image, describing it as “propping himself up like a failed dictator” and accusing him of “destroying our country.”
Reacting to Omar’s statements, Dr. Phil expressed strong disapproval during a Monday broadcast. “Here’s the thing: she has the right to say what she’s saying culturally, psychologically, I think it’s disgusting,” he said. “But does she have the right to say it? Yeah, she does, just like I have the right to say, ‘It’s absolutely disgusting and whoever voted for her now knows who they voted for and should kick her a– to the curb.’”
Dr. Phil’s rebuke highlighted the deep divisions in American political discourse, with Omar’s remarks reflecting growing concerns among some progressives about the country’s trajectory, while critics see her comments as unpatriotic and inflammatory.
Omar further stated in her interview, “It is really shocking, and it should be a wake-up call for all Americans to say this is not the country we were born in. This is not the country we believe in, this is not the country our Founding Fathers imagined, and this is not the country that is supported by our Constitution, our ideals, our values, and we should all collectively be out in the streets rejecting what is taking place this week.”
The congresswoman’s remarks echoed prior controversial statements, including a 2018 comment where she said Americans should be “more fearful of white men,” which sparked widespread backlash.
Supporters of Omar argue her critiques highlight systemic issues needing urgent attention, including social justice and government overreach, while detractors assert her rhetoric fuels division and undermines national unity.
The debate over Omar’s statements is emblematic of broader ideological battles unfolding in the U.S., as Americans grapple with questions about patriotism, freedom of speech, and the direction of the nation.
As the nation continues to navigate these polarizing issues, figures like Ilhan Omar and commentators such as Dr. Phil remain influential voices shaping public opinion on America’s identity and future.
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