Politics

Trump: Omar ‘Should Be Ashamed’ After Anti-Israel Tweet

(LEFT: Photo by Chris Kleponis - Pool/Getty Images RIGHT: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

Mike Brest Reporter
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President Donald Trump criticized Democratic Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar on Monday night for her tweet accusing the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) of buying pro-Israel support from members of Congress.

“I think she should be ashamed of herself. I think it was a terrible statement and I don’t think her apology was adequate,” Trump said to the pool reporter on Air Force One.

When asked what Omar should say, the president responded, “She knows what to say.”

On Sunday night, the Minnesota congresswoman suggested that members of Congress only support Israel because of “the Benjamins.” Her comments were condemned by members on both sides of the aisle, including House Speaker Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

US President Donald Trump speaks about the government shutdown on January 25, 2019, from the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC. - Trump says will sign bill to reopen the government until February 15. (Alex Edelman/AFP/Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump speaks about the government shutdown on January 25, 2019, from the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC. (Alex Edelman/AFP/Getty Images)

Omar apologized after the widespread condemnation.

“Anti-Semitism is real, and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes. My intention is never to offend my constituents or Jewish Americans as a whole,” her statement reads. (RELATED: Trump Says Rashida Tlaib Dishonored Her Family, Country With Profane Impeachment Remarks)

It continued, “At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry. It’s gone on too long and we must be willing to address it.”

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