US President Donald Trump on Thursday sought to distance himself from the incendiary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unbowed-trump-intensifies-attacks-on-four-democratic-congresswomen-236766">chant of "Send her back"</a> aimed at a Somali-born Democratic lawmaker during an election rally the night before.

"I was not happy with it -&nbsp;I disagree with it," Trump told reporters when asked about the cry, launched by the crowd in response to an angry tirade by Trump against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-rebuke-trump-says-i-dont-have-a-racist-bone-in-my-body-236506">congresswoman Ilhan Omar</a>.&nbsp;

Asked why he did nothing to stop the taunt, instead pausing as the crowd chanted it over and over, Trump responded: "I think I did -- I started speaking very quickly."

Meanwhile, US congresswoman Ilhan Omar said she believes President Donald Trump is a "fascist," one day after he criticised the Democrat at a rally where his supporters chanted demeaning comments about her.

"We have said this president is racist, we have condemned his racist remarks. I believe he is a fascist," Omar, one of the first two Muslim women in Congress, told reporters in Washington.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-trump-criticised-for-racist-rant-236528/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Omar is among a group of ethnic minority Democrats in Congress who have been the target of Trump's attacks over several days, as he accused them of hating America and urged them to "go back" to their countries of origin.

On Wednesday, fired up by Donald Trump, the crowd targeted Somali-born Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar, one of only three Muslims in the US House of Representatives, with cries of "Send her back! Send her back!"&nbsp;

The derisive chant at Trump's "Make America Great Again" rally set the tone for a 2020 White House campaign that is shaping up to be just as heated and toxic as the 2016 election.

Trump made it clear at the gathering in Greenville, North Carolina, that he plans to make his inflammatory attacks on Omar and three other left-leaning Democratic congresswomen a centerpiece of his re-election strategy.

Without a Democratic presidential candidate to focus on yet, the Republican chief executive is seeking to make the minority lawmakers known as the "Squad" the face of the Democratic Party.

Trump was rebuked by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on Tuesday for "racist comments" for saying the four should "go back" to their countries of origin if they are not happy in the United States.

The first-term lawmakers -- all but one of whom, Omar, were born in the United States -- are of Hispanic, Arab, Somali and African-American descent.

Trump shrugged off the House rebuke and went back on the offensive in Greenville.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday sought to distance himself from the incendiary chant of "Send her back" aimed at a Somali-born Democratic lawmaker during an election rally the night before.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday sought to distance himself from the incendiary chant of "Send her back" aimed at a Somali-born Democratic lawmaker during an election rally the night before. "I was not happy with it - I disagree with it," Trump told reporters when asked about the cry, launched by the crowd in response to an angry tirade by Trump against congresswoman Ilhan Omar. Asked why he did nothing to stop the taunt, instead pausing as the crowd chanted it over and over, Trump responded: "I think I did -- I started speaking very quickly." Meanwhile, US congresswoman Ilhan Omar said she believes President Donald Trump is a "fascist," one day after he criticised the Democrat at a rally where his supporters chanted demeaning comments about her. "We have said this president is racist, we have condemned his racist remarks. I believe he is a fascist," Omar, one of the first two Muslim women in Congress, told reporters in Washington. Watch Video: Omar is among a group of ethnic minority Democrats in Congress who have been the target of Trump's attacks over several days, as he accused them of hating America and urged them to "go back" to their countries of origin. On Wednesday, fired up by Donald Trump, the crowd targeted Somali-born Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar, one of only three Muslims in the US House of Representatives, with cries of "Send her back! Send her back!" The derisive chant at Trump's "Make America Great Again" rally set the tone for a 2020 White House campaign that is shaping up to be just as heated and toxic as the 2016 election. Trump made it clear at the gathering in Greenville, North Carolina, that he plans to make his inflammatory attacks on Omar and three other left-leaning Democratic congresswomen a centerpiece of his re-election strategy. Without a Democratic presidential candidate to focus on yet, the Republican chief executive is seeking to make the minority lawmakers known as the "Squad" the face of the Democratic Party. Trump was rebuked by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives on Tuesday for "racist comments" for saying the four should "go back" to their countries of origin if they are not happy in the United States. The first-term lawmakers -- all but one of whom, Omar, were born in the United States -- are of Hispanic, Arab, Somali and African-American descent. Trump shrugged off the House rebuke and went back on the offensive in Greenville.

Not happy, I disagree with it: Trump on 'send her back' chant during election rally

After Democratic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democratic-congresswomen-hit-back-after-racist-trump-tirade-236437">Congresswoman hit back at President</a> Trump over his xenophobic tirade against them, the US president said those tweets were "not racist".

"I don’t have a racist bone in my body," Trump tweeted, adding, "our country is free, beautiful and very successful. If you hate our country, or if you are not happy here, you can leave!"

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Those Tweets were NOT Racist. I don’t have a Racist bone in my body! The so-called vote to be taken is a Democrat con game. Republicans should not show “weakness” and fall into their trap. This should be a vote on the filthy language, statements and lies told by the Democrat.....
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1151129281134768128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"Congresswomen, who I truly believe, based on their actions, hate our country. Get a list of the horrible things they have said."

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.....Congresswomen, who I truly believe, based on their actions, hate our Country. Get a list of the HORRIBLE things they have said. Omar is polling at 8%, Cortez at 21%. Nancy Pelosi tried to push them away, but now they are forever wedded to the Democrat Party. See you in 2020!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1151129281919102976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In a series of tweets on Sunday Trump had attacked the four congress lawmakers, all born in America -&nbsp;Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts.

Trump had also accused the four first-term congresswomen - who are of Hispanic, Arab, Somali and African American origin - of having "love" for US "enemies like Al-Qaeda."

The four lawmakers -- who have been nicknamed "The Squad" by some media -- said attention should instead be focused on healthcare and immigration and, in particular, the treatment of asylum seekers on the southern border.

"Weak minds and leaders challenge loyalty to our country in order to avoid challenging and debating the policy," said Ocasio-Cortez.

Trump "does not know how to defend his policies, so what he does is attack us personally, and that is what this is all about," she said.

--

After Democratic Congresswoman hit back at President Trump over his xenophobic tirade against them, the US president said those tweets were "not racist". "I don’t have a racist bone in my body," Trump tweeted, adding, "our country is free, beautiful and very successful.

After Democratic Congresswoman hit back at President Trump over his xenophobic tirade against them, the US president said those tweets were "not racist". "I don’t have a racist bone in my body," Trump tweeted, adding, "our country is free, beautiful and very successful. If you hate our country, or if you are not happy here, you can leave!" Those Tweets were NOT Racist. I don’t have a Racist bone in my body! The so-called vote to be taken is a Democrat con game. Republicans should not show “weakness” and fall into their trap. This should be a vote on the filthy language, statements and lies told by the Democrat..... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2019 × "Congresswomen, who I truly believe, based on their actions, hate our country. Get a list of the horrible things they have said." .....Congresswomen, who I truly believe, based on their actions, hate our Country. Get a list of the HORRIBLE things they have said. Omar is polling at 8%, Cortez at 21%. Nancy Pelosi tried to push them away, but now they are forever wedded to the Democrat Party. See you in 2020! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 16, 2019 × In a series of tweets on Sunday Trump had attacked the four congress lawmakers, all born in America - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts. Trump had also accused the four first-term congresswomen - who are of Hispanic, Arab, Somali and African American origin - of having "love" for US "enemies like Al-Qaeda." The four lawmakers -- who have been nicknamed "The Squad" by some media -- said attention should instead be focused on healthcare and immigration and, in particular, the treatment of asylum seekers on the southern border. "Weak minds and leaders challenge loyalty to our country in order to avoid challenging and debating the policy," said Ocasio-Cortez. Trump "does not know how to defend his policies, so what he does is attack us personally, and that is what this is all about," she said. --

After rebuke, Trump says 'I don’t have a racist bone in my body'

Four minority US congresswomen known as the "the squad" accused President Donald Trump of trying to sow division and distract attention from what they characterized as failed policies on immigration, health care and taxation on Monday.

Congresswomen call Trump's attack an attempt to distract from his policies

US President Donald Trump on Sunday told a group of mostly American-born Democratic congresswomen to "go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came," a comment that was condemned by Democrats as racist.

"So interesting to see 'Progressive' Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe... viciously telling the people of the United States... how our government is to be run," Trump said in a series of three comments on Twitter.

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So interesting to see “Progressive” Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world (if they even have a functioning government at all), now loudly......
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1150381394234941448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While he did not mention names, Trump appeared to be referring to first-year Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan - a group known as "the squad" that has been very critical of Trump and also of the current Democratic leadership of the House.

Only Omar, whose family left Somalia as refugees and arrived in Minneapolis in 1997, was born outside the United States.

"Mr. President, the country I 'come from,' and the country we all swear to, is the United States," Ocasio-Cortez, like Trump a native of New York City, responded on Twitter. "You are angry because you can't conceive of an America that includes us. You rely on a frightened America for your plunder."

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Mr. President, the country I “come from,” &amp; the country we all swear to, is the United States. 
 
But given how you’ve destroyed our border with inhumane camps, all at a benefit to you &amp; the corps who profit off them, you are absolutely right about the corruption laid at your feet. <a href="https://t.co/HLKQCotR8T">https://t.co/HLKQCotR8T</a>
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) <a href="https://twitter.com/AOC/status/1150443496345624577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, has feuded with the group in an increasingly bitter intra-party fight, but came to their defence Sunday along with other Democratic colleagues. She called Trump's comments "xenophobic."

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I reject <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>’s xenophobic comments meant to divide our nation. Rather than attack Members of Congress, he should work with us for humane immigration policy that reflects American values. Stop the raids - <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FamiliesBelongTogether?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FamiliesBelongTogether</a>!
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerPelosi/status/1150408693021908992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"When @realDonaldTrump tells four American Congresswomen to go back to their countries, he reaffirms his plan to 'Make America Great Again' has always been about making America white again," she said on Twitter.

"Do I fit into the President's category?" US&nbsp;Senator Dick Durbin on Illinois, said on CBS's "Face the Nation," mentioning his family's Lithuanian heritage.

"Thanks goodness," he said of Omar's journey from refugee to one of only two Muslim women elected to Congress, along with Tlaib, a native of Detroit. "That is what America holds as a dream. The president should not diminish it." 
&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump on Sunday told a group of mostly American-born Democratic congresswomen to "go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came," a comment that was condemned by Democrats as racist.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday told a group of mostly American-born Democratic congresswomen to "go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came," a comment that was condemned by Democrats as racist. "So interesting to see 'Progressive' Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe... viciously telling the people of the United States... how our government is to be run," Trump said in a series of three comments on Twitter. So interesting to see “Progressive” Democrat Congresswomen, who originally came from countries whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe, the worst, most corrupt and inept anywhere in the world (if they even have a functioning government at all), now loudly...... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 14, 2019 × While he did not mention names, Trump appeared to be referring to first-year Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan - a group known as "the squad" that has been very critical of Trump and also of the current Democratic leadership of the House. Only Omar, whose family left Somalia as refugees and arrived in Minneapolis in 1997, was born outside the United States. "Mr. President, the country I 'come from,' and the country we all swear to, is the United States," Ocasio-Cortez, like Trump a native of New York City, responded on Twitter. "You are angry because you can't conceive of an America that includes us. You rely on a frightened America for your plunder." Mr. President, the country I “come from,” & the country we all swear to, is the United States. But given how you’ve destroyed our border with inhumane camps, all at a benefit to you & the corps who profit off them, you are absolutely right about the corruption laid at your feet. https://t.co/HLKQCotR8T — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 14, 2019 × House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, has feuded with the group in an increasingly bitter intra-party fight, but came to their defence Sunday along with other Democratic colleagues. She called Trump's comments "xenophobic." I reject @realDonaldTrump’s xenophobic comments meant to divide our nation. Rather than attack Members of Congress, he should work with us for humane immigration policy that reflects American values. Stop the raids - #FamiliesBelongTogether! — Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) July 14, 2019 × "When @realDonaldTrump tells four American Congresswomen to go back to their countries, he reaffirms his plan to 'Make America Great Again' has always been about making America white again," she said on Twitter. "Do I fit into the President's category?" US Senator Dick Durbin on Illinois, said on CBS's "Face the Nation," mentioning his family's Lithuanian heritage. "Thanks goodness," he said of Omar's journey from refugee to one of only two Muslim women elected to Congress, along with Tlaib, a native of Detroit. "That is what America holds as a dream. The president should not diminish it."

Trump tells Democratic Congresswomen to 'go back' to 'fix' countries they came from

US President Donald Trump blasted Democrats as "anti-Israel" and "anti-Jewish" Friday after they passed a congressional measure opposing hate speech in general instead of specifically condemning alleged anti-Semitic comments by a Muslim congresswoman.

His remarks follow days of tense debates in Congress addressing sensitive questions about national allegiance, discriminatory tropes aimed at Jews, and accusations of show votes that failed to call out a member for controversial comments.

"I thought yesterday's vote by the House was disgraceful," Trump said at the White House.

The resolution was originally intended to deliver a direct rebuke of anti-Semitism following comments by a Muslim Democratic congresswoman, Ilhan Omar, that were deemed anti-Semitic and offensive by many colleagues.

But after blowback from progressives, it was revised to broadly condemn discrimination against Muslims and other minorities as well.

Trump seized on the shift, injecting a new angle of attack as he readies a 2020 re-election bid and fellow Republicans seek to claw back ground they lost in the House in last year's mid-terms.

"The Democrats have become an anti-Israel party, they've become an anti-Jewish party," he said.

The issue has caused a deep rift. Some Democrats wanted to include language condemning other forms of bigotry and expressed concerns about singling out Omar.

The resolution, which made no mention of Omar, ultimately passed 407 to 23. Republicans who voted against it complained it had been watered down.

The debate made clear that Democrats' growing diversity in Congress -- in ethnicity, religion, gender, age and ideology -- has created new challenges for the party.

Among those is a policy about Israel. Omar, a Somali refugee who resettled in Minnesota, had sparked fiery debate with her repeated criticisms of Israel and how a powerful pro-Israel lobby in Washington exerts influence on US politicians.

"I am told every day that I am anti-American if I am not pro-Israel. I find that to be problematic and I am not alone," Omar tweeted. "Our nation is having a difficult conversation."

Rise in anti-Semitic incidents

But Democrats insisted Trump was out of bounds to suggest their party was anti-Jewish.

"Mr. President, you have redefined chutzpah," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who like Trump is from New York.

"As illustrated by history and yesterday's overwhelming vote to condemn anti-Semitism, there is strong support for Israel and the Jewish faith among Democrats," congresswoman Elaine Luria, a military veteran who is Jewish, told AFP.

The debate comes amid a rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the United States. The Anti-Defamation League reported a 58 per cent increase in such incidents between 2016 and 2017.

In October a gunman killed 11 worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue, the deadliest attack ever on Jews in America.

Trump proclaims himself as Israel's closest ally, having moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and forged a close alliance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

But Trump and other Republicans have also courted controversy with the Jewish community, and have been accused of trafficking in age-old tropes about money that anti-Semites have used to attack Jews for centuries.

Speaking to the Republican Jewish Coalition in 2015 during his presidential campaign, Trump said, "you're not going to support me because I don't want your money."

"But that's okay," he went on. "You want to control your own politician."

Trump drew outrage in 2016 with a tweet showing his rival Hillary Clinton and a Star of David with the word "corrupt" superimposed over stacks of $100 bills.

And his closing 2016 campaign ad contained alarming messaging, with images of prominent financial figures George Soros and Janet Yellen, both Jewish, as Trump speaks of "those who control the levers of power in Washington."

As president, Trump sparked a firestorm by saying there were "very fine people on both sides" at a 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, where demonstrators chanted "Jews will not replace us."

Of the 535 members of the US House and Senate, 35 are Jewish, including just two Republicans, according to the non-partisan American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise.

Pew Research Center says that among Jewish voters in the 2018 midterms, 79 per cent supported Democratic candidates.

US President Donald Trump blasted Democrats as "anti-Israel" and "anti-Jewish" Friday after they passed a congressional measure opposing hate speech in general instead of specifically condemning alleged anti-Semitic comments by a Muslim congresswoman.

US President Donald Trump blasted Democrats as "anti-Israel" and "anti-Jewish" Friday after they passed a congressional measure opposing hate speech in general instead of specifically condemning alleged anti-Semitic comments by a Muslim congresswoman. His remarks follow days of tense debates in Congress addressing sensitive questions about national allegiance, discriminatory tropes aimed at Jews, and accusations of show votes that failed to call out a member for controversial comments. "I thought yesterday's vote by the House was disgraceful," Trump said at the White House. The resolution was originally intended to deliver a direct rebuke of anti-Semitism following comments by a Muslim Democratic congresswoman, Ilhan Omar, that were deemed anti-Semitic and offensive by many colleagues. But after blowback from progressives, it was revised to broadly condemn discrimination against Muslims and other minorities as well. Trump seized on the shift, injecting a new angle of attack as he readies a 2020 re-election bid and fellow Republicans seek to claw back ground they lost in the House in last year's mid-terms. "The Democrats have become an anti-Israel party, they've become an anti-Jewish party," he said. The issue has caused a deep rift. Some Democrats wanted to include language condemning other forms of bigotry and expressed concerns about singling out Omar. The resolution, which made no mention of Omar, ultimately passed 407 to 23. Republicans who voted against it complained it had been watered down. The debate made clear that Democrats' growing diversity in Congress -- in ethnicity, religion, gender, age and ideology -- has created new challenges for the party. Among those is a policy about Israel. Omar, a Somali refugee who resettled in Minnesota, had sparked fiery debate with her repeated criticisms of Israel and how a powerful pro-Israel lobby in Washington exerts influence on US politicians. "I am told every day that I am anti-American if I am not pro-Israel. I find that to be problematic and I am not alone," Omar tweeted. "Our nation is having a difficult conversation." Rise in anti-Semitic incidents But Democrats insisted Trump was out of bounds to suggest their party was anti-Jewish. "Mr. President, you have redefined chutzpah," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who like Trump is from New York. "As illustrated by history and yesterday's overwhelming vote to condemn anti-Semitism, there is strong support for Israel and the Jewish faith among Democrats," congresswoman Elaine Luria, a military veteran who is Jewish, told AFP. The debate comes amid a rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the United States. The Anti-Defamation League reported a 58 per cent increase in such incidents between 2016 and 2017. In October a gunman killed 11 worshippers at a Pittsburgh synagogue, the deadliest attack ever on Jews in America. Trump proclaims himself as Israel's closest ally, having moved the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and forged a close alliance with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But Trump and other Republicans have also courted controversy with the Jewish community, and have been accused of trafficking in age-old tropes about money that anti-Semites have used to attack Jews for centuries. Speaking to the Republican Jewish Coalition in 2015 during his presidential campaign, Trump said, "you're not going to support me because I don't want your money." "But that's okay," he went on. "You want to control your own politician." Trump drew outrage in 2016 with a tweet showing his rival Hillary Clinton and a Star of David with the word "corrupt" superimposed over stacks of $100 bills. And his closing 2016 campaign ad contained alarming messaging, with images of prominent financial figures George Soros and Janet Yellen, both Jewish, as Trump speaks of "those who control the levers of power in Washington." As president, Trump sparked a firestorm by saying there were "very fine people on both sides" at a 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, where demonstrators chanted "Jews will not replace us." Of the 535 members of the US House and Senate, 35 are Jewish, including just two Republicans, according to the non-partisan American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise. Pew Research Center says that among Jewish voters in the 2018 midterms, 79 per cent supported Democratic candidates.

Donald Trump brands Democrats an 'anti-Israel' and 'anti-Jewish' party

Ilhan Omar: I stand here with many firsts to my name

A one-time Somali refugee and the daughter of Palestinian immigrants shared the historic distinction Tuesday of becoming the first two Muslim women elected to the US Congress.

Both women - Ilhan Omar, 37, and Rashida Tlaib, 42 - are Democrats from the Midwest and outspoken advocates of minority communities that have found themselves in the sights of US President Donald Trump's anti-immigrant policies.

Omar won a House seat in a strongly Democratic district in Minneapolis, Minnesota, succeeding Keith Ellison who was himself the first Muslim ever elected to Congress.

Tlaib's victory was no suprise. She ran unopposed in a congressional district that stretches from Detroit to Dearborn, Michigan.

Their stories trace a similar trail-blazing rise through local politics.

Ilhan Omar

"I'm Muslim and black," the hijab-wearing Omar said in a recent magazine interview.

"I decided to run because I was one of many people I knew who really wanted to demonstrate what representative democracies are supposed to be," she said.

Omar fled Somalia's civil war with her parents at the age of eight and spent four years at a refugee camp in Kenya.

Her family settled in Minnesota in 1997, where there is a sizable Somali population.

She won a seat in the state's legislature in 2016, becoming the first Somali-American lawmaker in the country.

Before that, she had worked as a community organizer, a policy wonk for city leaders in Minneapolis, and as a leader in her local chapter of the NAACP - the African-American civil rights group.

She decided to run for Congress after Ellison, who is also black, decided to give up his seat after 12 years in Congress to run for attorney general of Minnesota.

Omar has forged a progressive political identity. She supports free college education, housing for all, and criminal justice reform.

She opposes Trump's restrictive immigration policies, supports a universal health care system, and wants to abolish US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has conducted deportation raids. &nbsp;

Rashida Tlaib

Rashida Tlaib is the Detroit-born daughter of Palestinian immigrants - the eldest of 14 children.

A fighter who once heckled US President Donald Trump during a 2016 campaign stop in Detroit, she says she didn't run to make history as Muslim.

"I ran because of injustices and because of my boys, who are questioning their (Muslim) identity and whether they belong," Tlaib said in an US television interview in August.

"I've never been one to stand on the sidelines."

Like Omar, she blazed a trail through Michigan politics, becoming the first Muslim woman to serve in the Michigan state legislature in 2008.

In August, she emerged as the winner of a Democratic primary for a seat vacated by John Conyers, a longtime liberal lion who stepped down in December amid sexual harassment allegations and failing health.

With no Republican challenger in the race, Tlaib's election on Tuesday became a formality.

The seat she won is in a predominantly African American congressional district with few Muslim voters.

She says her constituents were attracted to her progressive politics, which are the polar opposite of Republicans.

Tlaib has advocated for universal health care, a $15 national minimum wage, union protections, and tuition-free college education.

She also has been mindful of the historic nature of her candidacy.

During her tearful primary election victory speech in August, with her immigrant mother by her side, she said relatives in the West Bank were watching her success.

"It just shows how incredibly wonderful our country can be," she said.

A one-time Somali refugee and the daughter of Palestinian immigrants shared the historic distinction Tuesday of becoming the first two Muslim women elected to the US Congress.

A one-time Somali refugee and the daughter of Palestinian immigrants shared the historic distinction Tuesday of becoming the first two Muslim women elected to the US Congress. Both women - Ilhan Omar, 37, and Rashida Tlaib, 42 - are Democrats from the Midwest and outspoken advocates of minority communities that have found themselves in the sights of US President Donald Trump's anti-immigrant policies. Omar won a House seat in a strongly Democratic district in Minneapolis, Minnesota, succeeding Keith Ellison who was himself the first Muslim ever elected to Congress. Tlaib's victory was no suprise. She ran unopposed in a congressional district that stretches from Detroit to Dearborn, Michigan. Their stories trace a similar trail-blazing rise through local politics. Ilhan Omar "I'm Muslim and black," the hijab-wearing Omar said in a recent magazine interview. "I decided to run because I was one of many people I knew who really wanted to demonstrate what representative democracies are supposed to be," she said. Omar fled Somalia's civil war with her parents at the age of eight and spent four years at a refugee camp in Kenya. Her family settled in Minnesota in 1997, where there is a sizable Somali population. She won a seat in the state's legislature in 2016, becoming the first Somali-American lawmaker in the country. Before that, she had worked as a community organizer, a policy wonk for city leaders in Minneapolis, and as a leader in her local chapter of the NAACP - the African-American civil rights group. She decided to run for Congress after Ellison, who is also black, decided to give up his seat after 12 years in Congress to run for attorney general of Minnesota. Omar has forged a progressive political identity. She supports free college education, housing for all, and criminal justice reform. She opposes Trump's restrictive immigration policies, supports a universal health care system, and wants to abolish US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has conducted deportation raids. Rashida Tlaib Rashida Tlaib is the Detroit-born daughter of Palestinian immigrants - the eldest of 14 children. A fighter who once heckled US President Donald Trump during a 2016 campaign stop in Detroit, she says she didn't run to make history as Muslim. "I ran because of injustices and because of my boys, who are questioning their (Muslim) identity and whether they belong," Tlaib said in an US television interview in August. "I've never been one to stand on the sidelines." Like Omar, she blazed a trail through Michigan politics, becoming the first Muslim woman to serve in the Michigan state legislature in 2008. In August, she emerged as the winner of a Democratic primary for a seat vacated by John Conyers, a longtime liberal lion who stepped down in December amid sexual harassment allegations and failing health. With no Republican challenger in the race, Tlaib's election on Tuesday became a formality. The seat she won is in a predominantly African American congressional district with few Muslim voters. She says her constituents were attracted to her progressive politics, which are the polar opposite of Republicans. Tlaib has advocated for universal health care, a $15 national minimum wage, union protections, and tuition-free college education. She also has been mindful of the historic nature of her candidacy. During her tearful primary election victory speech in August, with her immigrant mother by her side, she said relatives in the West Bank were watching her success. "It just shows how incredibly wonderful our country can be," she said.

Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib become first Muslim women elected to US Congress

US voters are poised to elect two Muslim women to Congress in the midterm election next week, marking a historic first even as anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric has been on the rise.

Ilhan Omar, a Somali refugee, is all but certain to be elected to the US House of Representatives in a heavily-Democratic district in the Midwestern state of Minnesota, where she is the party's nominee.&nbsp;

Rashida Tlaib, a social worker born in Detroit to Palestinian immigrant parents, will win a House seat in a district where she is running unopposed.&nbsp;

The two will be the first Muslim women to serve in the US Congress. They will increase the total number of Muslims in Congress to three.&nbsp;

Congressman Andre Carson, who is Muslim and African American, is likely to win reelection in his safely-Democratic district in the state of Indiana.&nbsp;

The expected electoral milestone is in stark contrast to the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment around the country. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported a 21 percent increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes in the first six months of 2018.

- Trump 'a wake-up call' -&nbsp;

Both Tlaib and Omar have positioned themselves as polar opposites of President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

They oppose Trump's restrictive immigration policies, support a universal health care system which Republicans oppose, and want to abolish US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.&nbsp;

ICE has conducted raids throughout the country, leaving immigrant communities terrified of deportations -- including longtime Iraqi refugees in Michigan.&nbsp;

"The election of Donald Trump was a wake-up call," Colin Christopher of the Islamic Society of North America told AFP.&nbsp;

"Now we're seeing communities that were once absent from public conversations... all of a sudden are really engaged."

The two women are part of a historically diverse crop of candidates -- by race, gender, and sexuality -- challenging Republican incumbents.&nbsp;

They reflect a Trump era in which race and women's rights and empowerment have emerged as flashpoint issues for Democrats, and identity politics are increasingly important.

Polls indicate next week's election will likely hand Democrats control of the lower house of Congress in a rebuke of Trump's administration. The Senate is seen as more likely to stay in Republican majority control.&nbsp;

- Anti-Trump message -&nbsp;

Tlaib was born and raised in Detroit -- the eldest of 14 children. In 2008, she became the first Muslim woman to serve in the Michigan state legislature.&nbsp;

The 42-year-old has positioned herself as a champion of the working class and strongly anti-Trump. During the 2016 presidential campaign, she heckled then-candidate Trump during a speech in Detroit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Tlaib won the Democratic party's primary election in August in a predominantly African American district.&nbsp;

"Her district does not have many Muslims in it," said Dawud Walid, executive director of CAIR's Michigan chapter.&nbsp;

"I don't believe that her ethnic or religious identity has had much of a part to play in her victory nor any opposition against her."

Tlaib has been mindful of the historic nature of her candidacy. During her tearful primary election victory speech in August, with her mother by her side, she said relatives in the West Bank were watching her success.&nbsp;

"It just shows how incredibly wonderful our country can be," she said. "All the ugliness and the hatred that you hear out there, it's not who we are."

With no Republican opposing Tlaib, she will be elected next week to a two-year term to replace longtime Congressman John Conyers who stepped down in December amid sexual harassment allegations and failing health.

- First Somali-American lawmaker -&nbsp;

Ilhan Omar also has forged a progressive political identity. She supports free college education, housing for all, and criminal justice reform.&nbsp;

The hijab-wearing Minnesota state lawmaker's personal identity has played a big role in her campaign. She is the first Somali-American legislator in the US.&nbsp;

Omar fled her native country's civil war at the age of eight, and later immigrated with her family to the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She was inspired by politics early on, when accompanying her grandfather to his first election vote.&nbsp;

"I just fell in love with politics and with what it could do," she told Elle magazine in September.&nbsp;

"I decided to run because I was one of many people I knew who really wanted to demonstrate what representative democracies are supposed to be."

In 2016, the 36-year-old won an uncontested seat in the legislature of her Midwestern home state, where there is a sizable Somali population.&nbsp;

Running for a congressional seat in a heavily-Democratic district that includes the city of Minneapolis, she is expected to easily defeat her Republican challenger.&nbsp;

She would replace Keith Ellison, who was the first Muslim elected to Congress in 2006. He gave up his seat to run for the state's attorney general's office.&nbsp;

US voters are poised to elect two Muslim women to Congress in the midterm election next week, marking a historic first even as anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric has been on the rise.

US voters are poised to elect two Muslim women to Congress in the midterm election next week, marking a historic first even as anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant rhetoric has been on the rise. Ilhan Omar, a Somali refugee, is all but certain to be elected to the US House of Representatives in a heavily-Democratic district in the Midwestern state of Minnesota, where she is the party's nominee. Rashida Tlaib, a social worker born in Detroit to Palestinian immigrant parents, will win a House seat in a district where she is running unopposed. The two will be the first Muslim women to serve in the US Congress. They will increase the total number of Muslims in Congress to three. Congressman Andre Carson, who is Muslim and African American, is likely to win reelection in his safely-Democratic district in the state of Indiana. The expected electoral milestone is in stark contrast to the rise in anti-Muslim sentiment around the country. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported a 21 percent increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes in the first six months of 2018. - Trump 'a wake-up call' - Both Tlaib and Omar have positioned themselves as polar opposites of President Donald Trump and his Republican Party. They oppose Trump's restrictive immigration policies, support a universal health care system which Republicans oppose, and want to abolish US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE has conducted raids throughout the country, leaving immigrant communities terrified of deportations -- including longtime Iraqi refugees in Michigan. "The election of Donald Trump was a wake-up call," Colin Christopher of the Islamic Society of North America told AFP. "Now we're seeing communities that were once absent from public conversations... all of a sudden are really engaged." The two women are part of a historically diverse crop of candidates -- by race, gender, and sexuality -- challenging Republican incumbents. They reflect a Trump era in which race and women's rights and empowerment have emerged as flashpoint issues for Democrats, and identity politics are increasingly important. Polls indicate next week's election will likely hand Democrats control of the lower house of Congress in a rebuke of Trump's administration. The Senate is seen as more likely to stay in Republican majority control. - Anti-Trump message - Tlaib was born and raised in Detroit -- the eldest of 14 children. In 2008, she became the first Muslim woman to serve in the Michigan state legislature. The 42-year-old has positioned herself as a champion of the working class and strongly anti-Trump. During the 2016 presidential campaign, she heckled then-candidate Trump during a speech in Detroit. Tlaib won the Democratic party's primary election in August in a predominantly African American district. "Her district does not have many Muslims in it," said Dawud Walid, executive director of CAIR's Michigan chapter. "I don't believe that her ethnic or religious identity has had much of a part to play in her victory nor any opposition against her." Tlaib has been mindful of the historic nature of her candidacy. During her tearful primary election victory speech in August, with her mother by her side, she said relatives in the West Bank were watching her success. "It just shows how incredibly wonderful our country can be," she said. "All the ugliness and the hatred that you hear out there, it's not who we are." With no Republican opposing Tlaib, she will be elected next week to a two-year term to replace longtime Congressman John Conyers who stepped down in December amid sexual harassment allegations and failing health. - First Somali-American lawmaker - Ilhan Omar also has forged a progressive political identity. She supports free college education, housing for all, and criminal justice reform. The hijab-wearing Minnesota state lawmaker's personal identity has played a big role in her campaign. She is the first Somali-American legislator in the US. Omar fled her native country's civil war at the age of eight, and later immigrated with her family to the US. She was inspired by politics early on, when accompanying her grandfather to his first election vote. "I just fell in love with politics and with what it could do," she told Elle magazine in September. "I decided to run because I was one of many people I knew who really wanted to demonstrate what representative democracies are supposed to be." In 2016, the 36-year-old won an uncontested seat in the legislature of her Midwestern home state, where there is a sizable Somali population. Running for a congressional seat in a heavily-Democratic district that includes the city of Minneapolis, she is expected to easily defeat her Republican challenger. She would replace Keith Ellison, who was the first Muslim elected to Congress in 2006. He gave up his seat to run for the state's attorney general's office.

US midterms: Voters poised to elect 2 Muslim women to Congress

US midterm elections 2018: Key faces of the campaign

The upcoming US midterm elections are important for various reasons, one of the main highlights of these elections is the increasing number of candidates running for the federal legislature or governor are persons of colour.

The battle for the governor's mansion in the US state of Georgia features a woman vying to become the first black woman governor to run a state.

"Voter suppression isn't only about blocking the vote.. It's also about creating an atmosphere of fear... making people worry that their votes will not count," said Democrat Stacey Abrams in the first debate with Republican candidate Brian Kemp in Atlanta. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

According to a report, more than 53 thousand voter applications were on hold in the state ahead of election day. Nearly 70 per cent of those were from black applicants.

The battle for Georgia's governor's seat is emblematic of a number of races across the US in which candidates of colour are making strides in record numbers and initiating a wave of 'firsts' across the country.&nbsp;

In Michigan, former provincial lawmaker Rashida Tlaib is poised to become the first Muslim woman ever and the first Palestinian-American ever in the house of representatives -- the lower house of US Legislature.&nbsp;

In fact, Rashida Tlaib will be elected unopposed because no one is running against her. She will represent Michigan's 13th congressional district.&nbsp;

"If we want to be able to have a seat at the table then we're going to have to run, but people like us with unique names and different backgrounds and children of immigrants and all those things that I think makes us uniquely different in our lens very different to finally run for office," said Rashida Tlaib.

Another Muslim woman, a thirty-five-year-old, Minnesota lawmaker Ilhan Omar, hopes to be the first Somali-American in the US legislature.

She is also a refugee. She came to the US when she was twelve-years-old.&nbsp;

In New Mexico, Democrat Debra Haaland is trying to become America's first Native-American woman elected to the lower house of US legislature.

"There's never been a Native-American woman. There's nobody that looks like me," says Debra Haaland.

Tallahassee's Democratic mayor Andrew Gillum is running for Florida's governor. If he wins he will become Florida's first black governor.

Gillum is well aware that his win would be groundbreaking and he is not afraid to comment on the way racism has permeated his run against his opponent - Republican and former federal lawmaker Ron Desantis.

"He's got neo-nazis helping him out in this state.. Now I'm not calling Mr Desantis a racist, I'm simply saying the racists believe he's a racist," said Andrew Gillum.

Recently, President Donald Trump had accused Gillum of being a "thief", without citing any evidence.

In southern California's most Republican congressional district, a young, Latino-Arab-American Democrat is gaining ground, but Ammar Campa-Najjar's opponent have raised concerns over his racial background.

The upcoming US midterm elections are important for various reasons, one of the main highlights of these elections is the increasing number of candidates running for the federal legislature or governor are persons of colour.

The upcoming US midterm elections are important for various reasons, one of the main highlights of these elections is the increasing number of candidates running for the federal legislature or governor are persons of colour. The battle for the governor's mansion in the US state of Georgia features a woman vying to become the first black woman governor to run a state. "Voter suppression isn't only about blocking the vote.. It's also about creating an atmosphere of fear... making people worry that their votes will not count," said Democrat Stacey Abrams in the first debate with Republican candidate Brian Kemp in Atlanta. According to a report, more than 53 thousand voter applications were on hold in the state ahead of election day. Nearly 70 per cent of those were from black applicants. The battle for Georgia's governor's seat is emblematic of a number of races across the US in which candidates of colour are making strides in record numbers and initiating a wave of 'firsts' across the country. In Michigan, former provincial lawmaker Rashida Tlaib is poised to become the first Muslim woman ever and the first Palestinian-American ever in the house of representatives -- the lower house of US Legislature. In fact, Rashida Tlaib will be elected unopposed because no one is running against her. She will represent Michigan's 13th congressional district. "If we want to be able to have a seat at the table then we're going to have to run, but people like us with unique names and different backgrounds and children of immigrants and all those things that I think makes us uniquely different in our lens very different to finally run for office," said Rashida Tlaib. Another Muslim woman, a thirty-five-year-old, Minnesota lawmaker Ilhan Omar, hopes to be the first Somali-American in the US legislature. She is also a refugee. She came to the US when she was twelve-years-old. In New Mexico, Democrat Debra Haaland is trying to become America's first Native-American woman elected to the lower house of US legislature. "There's never been a Native-American woman. There's nobody that looks like me," says Debra Haaland. Tallahassee's Democratic mayor Andrew Gillum is running for Florida's governor. If he wins he will become Florida's first black governor. Gillum is well aware that his win would be groundbreaking and he is not afraid to comment on the way racism has permeated his run against his opponent - Republican and former federal lawmaker Ron Desantis. "He's got neo-nazis helping him out in this state.. Now I'm not calling Mr Desantis a racist, I'm simply saying the racists believe he's a racist," said Andrew Gillum. Recently, President Donald Trump had accused Gillum of being a "thief", without citing any evidence. In southern California's most Republican congressional district, a young, Latino-Arab-American Democrat is gaining ground, but Ammar Campa-Najjar's opponent have raised concerns over his racial background.

US midterm elections: Women, immigrants eye big win

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