“Send Her Back!” Crowd Erupts as Senators Kennedy and Rand Paul Take Aim at Ilhan Omar and the Squad

Washington, D.C. — In a fiery display of political confrontation, Senators John Kennedy (R-LA) and Rand Paul (R-KY) delivered blistering rebukes to Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and her progressive allies, igniting a chorus of “Send her back!” from an impassioned crowd. The exchange, which quickly went viral, has reignited fierce debate over patriotism, gratitude, and the boundaries of dissent in American politics.

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Ilhan Omar’s Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage

The controversy began with Ilhan Omar’s outspoken criticism of policing and her call to “completely dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department.” Omar, a Somali-born refugee who rose to national prominence after her election to Congress, has repeatedly challenged the status quo, advocating for sweeping reforms and denouncing what she sees as systemic injustice in the United States.

“I will never cosign on funding a police department that continues to brutalize us,” Omar declared. “Not only do we need to disinvest from police, but we need to completely dismantle the Minneapolis Police Department.”

Her remarks, delivered with characteristic passion, drew sharp responses not just from political opponents but also from many Americans who viewed her words as ungrateful and divisive.

Senator Rand Paul Offers a Reality Check

Senator Rand Paul, known for his libertarian views and blunt rhetoric, seized the moment to highlight what he called “the gratitude gap.” Speaking to a crowd of supporters, Paul contrasted Omar’s stance with the experiences of other refugees:

“I’ve met people who have come here from behind the Iron Curtain, from Bosnia, from Somalia. Most are thankful. They appreciate how great our country is,” Paul said. “And then I hear Representative Omar say, ‘America’s a terrible place.’ She came here, we fed her, clothed her, gave her welfare, education, healthcare, and she wins a seat in Congress—and calls us terrible. That’s as ungrateful as you can get.”

Paul went further, offering to buy Omar a ticket to Somalia so she could see the difference firsthand. “If you think the US is a nightmare of injustice, go spend a week in a place with no constitution, no capitalism, and tribal warfare. Maybe after she’s visited Somalia for a while, she might come back and appreciate America.”

His remarks drew laughter and applause, as well as the now-infamous chant: “Send her back!”

Senator Kennedy: “Don’t Argue With Fools”

Senator John Kennedy, never one to mince words, joined Paul in condemning Omar and her allies—known collectively as “the Squad,” which includes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley.

“I consider them to be fools,” Kennedy said. “They hate America. They think America was wicked in its origins and it’s even more wicked today. They ought to be thanking America instead of calling it evil and racist.”

Kennedy criticized President Trump’s earlier tweets suggesting that members of the Squad should leave the country if they’re unhappy, noting that while the sentiment was understandable, the delivery was flawed. Still, Kennedy agreed with the underlying message: “If you’re not happy in America, leave. Just leave. It’s a free country.”

He added, “When you argue with a fool, you just prove there are two. The Squad is destroying the Democratic Party with their radicalism—open borders, socialism, higher taxes, and abortion as moral goods. They think America, Israel, and free enterprise are moral bads. That’s not what most Americans believe.”

The Crowd Responds: Patriotism vs. Dissent

As Kennedy and Paul spoke, the crowd’s energy grew. Chants of “Send her back!” echoed through the venue, reflecting a wave of frustration among many Americans who feel that Omar’s rhetoric crosses the line from constructive criticism to outright hostility.

Commentators noted that the backlash against Omar and the Squad is about more than policy differences—it’s about a perceived lack of gratitude from those who have benefited most from America’s opportunities. “America isn’t perfect, but it’s the greatest experiment in freedom the world has ever seen,” one attendee said. “If you don’t appreciate it, no one is forcing you to stay.”

A Divided Nation: Free Speech and Its Limits

Omar and her allies, meanwhile, have defended their right to speak out against injustice, arguing that real patriotism means striving to improve the country, not blindly accepting its flaws. Supporters say her experiences as a refugee give her a unique perspective and that her criticisms are aimed at making America live up to its ideals.

But for Kennedy, Paul, and their supporters, the issue is clear: “Don’t expect the rest of us to sit here and cheer while you tear down the country we love,” Kennedy said.

A Viral Moment—and a National Conversation

The fiery exchange between the senators and Omar has quickly spread across social media, fueling debates about assimilation, gratitude, and the responsibilities of elected officials. Is Rand Paul’s offer a fair reality check? Is Kennedy right about the Squad’s impact on American politics? Has Ilhan Omar overstayed her welcome?

As the “Send her back!” chant continues to trend, the nation is left to grapple with difficult questions about who gets to define patriotism—and what it means to truly belong in America.