Since President Donald J. Trump descended that golden escalator in 2015 and launched his campaign by calling immigrants “criminals” and “rapists,” cruelty has been a core part of his political identity.
A decade later, that cruelty still fuels his rhetoric—most recently in his call for Rep. Ilhan Omar, an American citizen and member of Congress, to “leave the country.” It’s a chilling echo of the nativism that has long haunted this nation and a betrayal of the very ideals the United States stands for.
Omar’s story truly embodies the American spirit. She escaped civil war in Somalia as a young girl, spent years in a refugee camp, and found safety and opportunity in the United States. Through education, resilience, and civic involvement, she became one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress. Her journey exemplifies the American promise that hard work and freedom—not birthright or privilege—are what define true belonging.
Trump’s attack is especially upsetting given his own inner circle and family’s immigrant background. His wife, Melania Trump, was born in Slovenia. Vice President J.D. Vance is married to a woman whose parents emigrated from India. His first wife, Ivana, was also an immigrant. Clearly, immigration isn’t the main issue—it’s about who the immigrants are.
When they are white, European, or wealthy, Trump sees it as the American dream. When they are Black, Muslim, or brown, he calls it an invasion.
Immigration reform is essential. Border security, fair asylum processes, and humane enforcement are crucial issues. However, cruelty is never a policy. Demonizing refugees, blaming migrants, and telling citizens to “go back” harms America’s moral fabric. It replaces empathy with hatred and effective governance with resentment.
The question facing the nation is whether America will remain a beacon of hope—for everyone—or only for those who look and pray like Trump. The answer will define not just our politics but our soul, because when leaders weaponize cruelty, it’s not Omar who must leave—it’s America’s conscience.