No, Ilhan Omar has not been kicked out of Congress. As of October 20, 2026, the Democratic representative from Minnesota's 5th Congressional District remains a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Confusion surrounding her political status largely stems from a February 2023 vote that removed her from the House Foreign Affairs Committee, not Congress itself. More recent attempts to discipline Omar have also attracted attention, but none has resulted in her expulsion.
What Happened to Ilhan Omar in Congress?
On February 2, 2023, the Republican-controlled House voted 218–211 to remove Ilhan Omar from the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Republican leaders argued that some of her previous comments about Israel and pro-Israel lobbying raised concerns about her suitability for a foreign policy assignment.
Omar had faced criticism over remarks widely characterized as antisemitic, including comments she previously apologized for. She has maintained that criticism of Israeli government policies should not automatically be interpreted as hostility toward Jewish people.
Democrats opposed her committee removal, describing the decision as politically motivated and questioning whether Republican lawmakers were applying consistent disciplinary standards.
The resolution ended Omar's role on the Foreign Affairs Committee during that congressional term. It did not revoke her elected position, voting privileges in the full House, or ability to represent her constituents.
Was Ilhan Omar Expelled From Congress in 2026?
No official congressional record indicates that Omar was expelled in 2026. The U.S. House of Representatives continues to list her as Minnesota's 5th District representative, serving on the Committee on Education and Workforce and the Committee on the Budget.
Some confusion also comes from a September 2025 resolution introduced by Republican Representative Nancy Mace. House Resolution 713 sought to censure Omar and remove her from those two committees following controversy over her remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
However, on September 17, 2025, the House voted 214–213 to table the resolution. That action prevented the proposed disciplinary measure from advancing at the time.
Neither the 2023 committee removal nor the unsuccessful 2025 censure effort constituted an expulsion from Congress.
Why Have Republicans Called for Ilhan Omar's Removal?
Omar has faced repeated criticism from Republican lawmakers over her statements concerning Israel, U.S. foreign policy, and domestic political issues.
Supporters of disciplinary action have argued that certain statements were inappropriate for a member of Congress, particularly one involved in foreign affairs and national security oversight.
Omar and her Democratic allies have countered that the disciplinary efforts reflect political retaliation and, in some instances, discriminatory treatment. They have also emphasized the distinction between legitimate criticism of government policies and discriminatory rhetoric.
These competing arguments have contributed to continuing debates about congressional accountability, political speech, and the standards used to discipline elected representatives.
Can Ilhan Omar Legally Be Removed From Congress?
Yes, but expulsion requires a specific constitutional process. Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution allows either chamber of Congress to expel one of its members with the concurrence of two-thirds of that chamber.
Expulsion is substantially different from removal from a congressional committee. A committee assignment can be withdrawn without ending a lawmaker's membership in the House.
Censure is another separate disciplinary measure. It expresses formal congressional disapproval but does not automatically terminate a representative's elected term.
Calls for expulsion, proposed resolutions, investigations, and political criticism do not themselves remove a member of Congress.
What Is Ilhan Omar's Current Political Status?
As of October 20, 2026, Omar remains a Democratic member of the House representing the Minneapolis-based 5th Congressional District in Minnesota.
She began serving in Congress in January 2019 and became one of the first two Muslim women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Her current congressional committee assignments include Education and Workforce and Budget, according to the official House directory.
Her political future will also depend on the November 3, 2026, midterm elections, when voters across the country will elect representatives for the next congressional term. The election has not yet taken place as of this article's publication date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Ilhan Omar get kicked out of Congress?
No. She remains a member of the U.S. House of Representatives as of October 20, 2026.
Why was Ilhan Omar removed from a committee?
Republicans voted to remove her from the House Foreign Affairs Committee in February 2023, citing concerns about her previous statements regarding Israel and pro-Israel lobbying.
Was Ilhan Omar censured in 2025?
No. A September 2025 proposal to censure her and remove her from two committees was tabled by a 214–213 House vote.
Is Ilhan Omar still representing Minnesota?
Yes. She continues to represent Minnesota's 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Can Congress expel Ilhan Omar?
The House has constitutional authority to expel a member through a two-thirds vote. However, no successful expulsion vote against Omar has been identified as of October 20, 2026.
Final Verdict
Claims that Ilhan Omar was kicked out of Congress are false as of October 20, 2026. She lost her House Foreign Affairs Committee assignment in 2023 and faced an unsuccessful disciplinary resolution in 2025, but she continues to serve as an elected U.S. representative. Understanding the distinction between committee removal, censure, and expulsion is essential when evaluating reports about her congressional status.
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