Laura Ingraham, a conservative commentator and Fox News host, has recently revived claims about Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s alleged marriage to her supposed brother. This long-debunked allegation has resurfaced despite extensive fact-checking that disproves its validity.
MAGA Theory on Ilhan Omar’s Alleged Marriage
The rumor gained traction in 2016 during Omar’s campaign for the Minnesota House of Representatives. The foundation of this claim came from an anonymous post on the Somali-American forum SomaliSpot. The post suggested that her 2009 civil marriage to Ahmed Nur Said Elmi was a sham orchestrated to facilitate immigration.
Origins of the Allegation
- The initial claim arose in 2016.
- It was based on an anonymous post on SomaliSpot.
- Conservative blogs, particularly Powerline, helped amplify the narrative.
Fact-Checking Outcomes
Multiple fact-checkers, including Snopes and PolitiFact, have consistently rated this rumor as “false” or “unproven.” Key findings from their investigations include:
- No records indicating a sibling relationship between Omar and Elmi.
- Omar is listed as the youngest of seven children, none of whom has the name Elmi.
- No credible evidence, such as birth certificates or DNA tests, supports the claim.
- U.S. immigration law does not necessitate a sham marriage for siblings seeking residency.
Omar’s Response
Ilhan Omar has vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them as “absurd and offensive.” In a recent exchange with former President Donald Trump, she remarked on X, “The only thing that is confirmed is your stupidity. Hope that helps.”
This ongoing saga illustrates how misinformation can persist despite being thoroughly debunked. Ingraham’s revival of this theory highlights the continued reliance on unverified claims within conservative media, even when faced with substantial evidence to the contrary.
