Maine state Representative Deqa Dhalac, who was born in Somalia, sparked controversy this week after publicly declaring that her top priority in office is to increase the flow of U.S. taxpayer money to Somalia. Her remarks were captured on video and spread widely on social media, renewing a debate about the loyalties of foreign-born lawmakers doing things for their own country, while pretending to support America.
The U.S. government sent Somalia more than $400 million in taxpayer funds during fiscal year 2025, even with Republicans holding the White House. Critics argue that figure could climb significantly if lawmakers like Dhalac gain influence over foreign aid appropriations.
Dhalac’s Words on Her ‘Former Country’
In the video, Dhalac stated, “Hopefully we will be able to help our former country Somalia.” She initially said “our country” before correcting herself to “our former country,” a slip that drew immediate attention from critics who argued the original phrasing reflected her true priorities. According to Deqa Dhalac Somalia aid remarks, the clip quickly went viral, with many calling for restrictions on foreign-born officials holding elected office.
The episode drew comparisons to U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, who has faced similar criticism over her statements on Somalia and U.S. foreign policy. Both women were born in Somalia and later became American citizens before winning elected office.
Broader Debate Over Foreign Aid and Elected Officials
The controversy reignites a long-running argument over U.S. foreign aid levels and whether naturalized citizens who hold office can be expected to prioritize American interests over those of their birth countries. Opponents of additional Somalia aid point to the country’s history of governance challenges and question the return on U.S. investment there.
Supporters of continued aid argue that stability in Somalia serves American strategic interests in the Horn of Africa and helps reduce the conditions that drive migration and extremism. The debate is unlikely to be resolved quickly, particularly as Congress faces continued pressure over discretionary spending.
What Comes Next
Dhalac has not issued a formal statement clarifying her remarks or walking back her stated goal. As a state-level legislator in Maine, she has no direct authority over federal foreign aid budgets, but her comments have drawn national attention and are likely to fuel calls from conservative lawmakers to review both foreign aid allocations and eligibility requirements for public office. The clip continues to circulate on social media, keeping pressure on Dhalac and on the broader question of U.S. aid to Somalia heading into the next budget cycle.
