Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn) received criticism on social media Tuesday, after responding to a tweet from Ivanka Trump about pro-family activity ideas for those quarantined.
Trump had tweeted a message of hope to those stuck at home for the next few weeks, giving suggestions for how to make the best of things, and included a picture of herself with her children, along with the message:
“Staying home today w/kids? Plan living room camp out! Throw a bedsheet over some taped together brooms. Plan a menu and ‘pack’ sandwiches, salads (S’mores optional). A fun activity that also brings family together for a meal! Share your ideas and use the hashtag #TogetherApart”
In a separate tweet, Ivanka wrote about the importance of banding together as a community and realizing that “We’re all in this together!”
Omar took these posts as an opportunity to pounce on Trump for her father’s immigration and border policies, specifically in regard to the Mexican-U.S. border.
“Thinking of all the families separated forcefully by your father’s policies today,” she wrote mockingly. “Share your ideas on how you plan to unite them.”
Omar’s critics on Twitter were more than happy to point out her hypocrisy in viewing herself as qualified to critique family structure, referencing her own divorce and remarriage of a man it is alleged she had an extramarital affair with, noted by one user stating, “You’re not qualified to talk about breaking up families.”
You’re not qualified to talk about breaking up families.
— Kambree (@KamVTV) March 17, 2020
Another highlighted the sheer absurdity and contradiction within Omar’s comments, writing, “Now? During the crisis? Free immigration now? Open borders? You’ve displayed your opportunistic political virtue signalling, lack of patriotism, and blatant hypocrisy once again.”
Now? During the crisis? Free immigration now? Open borders? You've displayed your opportunistic political virtue signaling, lack of patriotism and blatant hypocrisy once again.
— Tirza Shorr (@ShorrTirza) March 17, 2020
Additionally, one user rebuked Omar for her manipulation of a simple family suggestion, and offered up a better alternative the congresswoman might try.
“Why do you need to be so hateful? Ivanka shared a simple family suggestion and you had to be spiteful and mean. Not something a true leader should do. Awful. I’m praying for this country to heal in all ways. You should try it.”