Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is facing online criticism after a resurfaced video showed her misreading World War II as "World War Eleven" during remarks at a Democratic news conference last year on the Neighbors Not Enemies Act.
The congresswoman made the error while discussing the Alien Enemies Act and its historical use during wartime, saying: "The last time the Alien Enemies Act was invoked it was used to detain and deport German, Japanese, Italian immigrants during World War Eleven." She quickly corrected herself, laughing and saying "Oh, two."
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative critics have amplified the video widely. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, posted: "'World War Eleven' … Yes, that was deadly," and later shared a side-by-side of Omar's error alongside another video of her calling Trump voters "idiots." Conservative podcast host Matt Walsh wrote on X: "God forbid we ever have World War 3, Ilhan Omar will think we're on World War One Hundred Eleven." He added: "Consider the astronomical levels of stupidity on display here. Ilhan Omar doesn't know how to read Roman numerals AND she thinks there have been 11 world wars." Conservative activist Chloe Cole posted: "Absolutely in awe of this clip of Ilhan Omar calling World War II 'World War Eleven.'" Elon Musk reacted with a grimacing emoji.
What the Left Is Saying
Omar has defended her district amid broader scrutiny. In a January interview with CBS News, she said the Trump administration's handling of fraud investigations in Minnesota "is harming my constituents, and it is creating the kind of chaos and confusion that no one needs in this moment." She told Margaret Brennan that the response creates "confusion and chaos that is not necessary in a moment when we are trying to deal with a serious problem." Omar added: "We want to collaboratively work with the administration to try to make sure that there is no fraud that's being perpetuated on our state. What we do not want is the level of terror, of confusion, of chaos that is being created without any results in this moment."
What the Numbers Show
The video resurfaced as federal investigators execute search warrants in Omar's district. Sources told Fox News that 22 search warrants were conducted at locations including childcare centers in Minneapolis, two of which were at the Quality Learning Center and Baby Halimo Child Care. The raids centered on investigations into largely Somali-owned businesses allegedly billing for care not provided.
The Bottom Line
The video clip has become a flashpoint in ongoing political divisions over Omar's representation of her district amid federal fraud investigations. While conservative voices have used the misstatement to question her fitness for office, Omar and her allies point to the broader context of her constituents facing disruption from federal enforcement actions.