In a bombshell moment that’s sending shockwaves through Washington and igniting a firestorm of debate nationwide, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt unleashed a blistering attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar during a heated exchange Tuesday, telling the Minnesota Democrat to “shut up” and calling her and her community “a virus to this country” that “need to be deported immediately.” The outburst came amid Leavitt’s announcement that the White House is considering denaturalization—stripping citizenship—for Somali immigrants convicted in a massive Minnesota daycare fraud scandal, a move that could reshape immigration policy and spark legal battles for years. “Let’s be clear,” Leavitt declared earlier in the briefing. “Fraudsters have no place in our country—send them back.”
The confrontation erupted when Omar, a Somali-American and vocal critic of Trump administration policies, interrupted Leavitt during a press conference to challenge the denaturalization push as “racist targeting.” Leavitt didn’t hold back, firing directly at Omar: “Shut up, you people are a virus to this country, you need to be deported immediately!” The room fell into stunned silence—reporters frozen, cameras rolling—as Leavitt continued: “No more playing games. If you’re convicted of stealing from Americans, your citizenship is gone.”
The White House’s consideration of denaturalization targets dozens of Somali immigrants in Minnesota convicted in a $250 million daycare fraud scheme—one of the largest COVID-relief scams in U.S. history. Prosecutors allege funds meant for child nutrition were siphoned for luxury cars, homes, and overseas transfers. Leavitt framed it as “justice”: “These aren’t victims—they’re criminals exploiting our system. Denaturalization is on the table to protect real Americans.”
Omar responded on X: “This is bigotry at its worst—targeting immigrants for political points. We won’t be silenced.” The clash has fractured opinions: Trump supporters cheered “Finally—deport the fraudsters!” while progressives decried “hate speech from the podium.” Social media detonated, with #LeavittVsOmar and #DeportFraudsters trending worldwide, clips amassing millions of views.
Legal experts warn denaturalization—a rare tool for fraud or terrorism—could face court challenges: “This stretches the law dangerously,” one said. “It’s about deterrence, but risks abuse.” The scandal’s scale—over 70 charged, $250 million stolen—has fueled calls for action, with Minnesota Republicans pushing audits.
Leavitt’s “virus” jab drew sharp condemnation: ACLU called it “dehumanizing rhetoric.” White House defended: “Karoline spoke truth—fraud erodes trust.”
As 2026 begins, the feud underscores divides: immigration, fraud, free speech.
Karoline Leavitt drew the line.
Ilhan Omar fights back.America watches—polarized, electrified.
The podium burned.
And the debate rages.
