In early February 2025, Elon Musk ignited a firestorm on social media by amplifying false claims about Representative Ilhan Omar. He shared a manipulated video suggesting she was advising undocumented immigrants on evading deportation, labeling her a “major grifter” who hates America. This quickly escalated into calls for her removal.

Musk’s post, viewed millions of times, accused Omar of outright breaking the law. He claimed her actions violated immigration statutes, though legal experts swiftly debunked this. Omar, a Somali-American congresswoman, responded sharply, urging Musk to study U.S. laws before spreading misinformation on his platform, X.

The controversy stemmed from a doctored video posted by right-wing commentator Ian Miles Cheong. It spliced Omar’s interview footage with unrelated clips, falsely portraying her as hosting secret workshops for Somali immigrants. Musk’s endorsement lent credibility to the hoax, sparking widespread outrage and support.

Representative Brandon Gill, a Texas Republican, seized the moment to demand Omar’s deportation. He posted that America would be a “better place” if she were sent back to Somalia. Gill’s statement echoed Musk’s sentiments, intensifying the attack on Omar’s citizenship and loyalty to the U.S.

Omar, who became a U.S. citizen in 2000 after fleeing Somalia as a child, cannot legally be deported. She dismissed the threats as “embarrassing stupidity” in an interview, highlighting the ignorance of her critics. This incident underscored rising anti-immigrant rhetoric under the new Trump administration.

Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025 had already heightened fears of mass deportations. Musk, a close Trump ally, has been vocal in supporting strict immigration policies. His comments on Omar aligned with broader efforts to target perceived political adversaries through inflammatory online campaigns.

Social media erupted with divided reactions. Supporters of Musk and Gill hailed the calls as patriotic, using hashtags like #DeportOmar. Critics, including civil rights groups, condemned them as racist and xenophobic, pointing to the dangerous precedent of attacking elected officials based on heritage.

The American Civil Liberties Union issued a statement defending Omar’s right to free speech. They argued that advising on legal rights is protected under the Constitution, not criminal. Musk’s role in amplifying falsehoods raised questions about platform responsibility and misinformation in the digital age.

In a follow-up post, Musk doubled down, suggesting Omar’s actions warranted investigation by immigration authorities. This prompted Democrats to call for congressional oversight of Musk’s influence, especially given his government contracts through SpaceX and Tesla. Tensions in Washington reached new heights.

Omar appeared on CNN to clarify the video’s origins. She explained it was from a legitimate interview where she discussed general rights for all residents. The manipulation, she said, was a deliberate smear campaign orchestrated by far-right influencers seeking to silence progressive voices.

Gill escalated his attack by circulating a petition for Omar’s arrest and deportation. In a fundraising email, he urged supporters to sign, framing it as a stand against “anti-American” elements in Congress. This move drew bipartisan criticism for undermining democratic norms.

Legal scholars noted that such threats against sitting members of Congress could violate ethics rules. House Democrats moved to subpoena Musk for a hearing on misinformation and foreign influence, linking his actions to broader concerns about election integrity and social media’s role.

Public figures weighed in, with celebrities like Mark Ruffalo defending Omar on X. He called Musk’s behavior “bullying from a billionaire pulpit.” Conversely, conservative commentators praised Musk for “exposing” what they saw as Omar’s disloyalty, fueling a polarized debate.

The incident highlighted Musk’s growing political power since acquiring Twitter, now X. As a key advisor to Trump on efficiency reforms, his opinions carry weight. Critics argue this blurs lines between business, tech, and governance, potentially endangering minority rights.

Omar’s supporters organized rallies in Minnesota, her home state, chanting for unity and against hate. Community leaders emphasized her contributions to refugee advocacy and foreign policy, portraying the attacks as attempts to distract from pressing issues like economic inequality.

Media outlets dissected the video frame by frame, confirming its edits. Fact-checkers from PolitiFact rated Musk’s claims as “pants on fire” false. This did little to quell the online frenzy, where conspiracy theories about Omar’s background proliferated unchecked.

Trump himself remained silent initially but later retweeted Gill’s post without comment. This tacit endorsement amplified the controversy, signaling potential administration support for aggressive actions against political opponents. Immigration advocates braced for increased scrutiny on naturalized citizens.

Congressional allies of Omar, like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, vowed to fight back. She introduced a resolution condemning xenophobic rhetoric in politics. The measure gained traction among Democrats but faced staunch opposition from Republicans aligned with Musk and Trump.

The fallout extended to international relations. Somali officials expressed concern over the treatment of Somali-Americans, urging the U.S. to protect its citizens. This added a diplomatic layer to what began as a social media spat, highlighting global implications.

Business analysts speculated on impacts to Musk’s companies. Tesla stock dipped slightly amid boycott calls from progressive groups. However, his core supporters remained loyal, viewing the controversy as proof of his commitment to “making America great again.”

As the dust settled, Omar continued her work undeterred. In a Zeteo interview, she mocked the “level of stupidity” from her detractors, focusing instead on policy fights like aid to Gaza. Her resilience became a symbol for marginalized communities facing similar attacks.

The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the power of misinformation in polarized times. With Musk at the helm of X, the platform’s role in shaping public discourse—and potentially policy—remains under intense scrutiny as America navigates a contentious political landscape.