Rep. Ilhan Omar apologizes for comments condemned as anti-Semitic

Ilhan Omar.
(Image credit: Stephen Maturen / Stringer/ Getty Images)

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) is offering an apology after being accused of anti-Semitism by her fellow Democrats.

In a statement on Monday, Omar said she is "grateful" for those who are "educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes." She had responded to a tweet about House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy's (R-Calif.) support of Israel by writing, "It's all about the Benjamins baby," suggesting donations from pro-Israel groups were influencing his views. Democrats in Congress condemned her remarks, with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) saying that Omar's "use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israel's supporters is deeply offensive."

Omar said Monday that she "unequivocally" apologizes. "At the same time," she added, "I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics," once again raising concerns about the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee.

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Read Omar's statement below. Brendan Morrow

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Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.