By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump is facing intense criticism at home and abroad after saying two Muslim Democratic lawmakers should be “sent back from where they came” following a heated exchange during his State of the Union address.

The controversy erupted after Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar and Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib interrupted Trump’s speech, shouting criticism as he defended his administration’s hardline immigration policies. Both lawmakers accused the president of “killing Americans,” with Omar also calling him a “liar” during the exchange.

Hours later, Trump posted an extended message on his Truth Social platform in which he used inflammatory language to describe the two lawmakers and suggested they should be removed from the United States “as fast as possible.” He also launched personal attacks against actor Robert De Niro and media personality Rosie O’Donnell in the same post.

The president’s comments quickly drew condemnation from civil rights groups, Democratic leaders, and several international observers, who described the rhetoric as dangerous and unbecoming of a head of state. Critics argued that telling elected officials -- both of whom are US citizens -- to “go back” echoes xenophobic tropes and undermines democratic norms.

Advocacy organizations said the language could inflame tensions at a time when the country is already deeply polarized. “This is not just political disagreement -- it is rhetoric that questions the belonging of American citizens based on their identity,” one civil rights advocate said.

The backlash comes amid ongoing nationwide protests over the administration’s immigration enforcement operations led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Demonstrators in several cities have accused the administration of heavy-handed crackdowns that they say have led to family separations and, in some cases, deaths during enforcement actions. Protesters have increasingly called for accountability and, in some instances, demanded that Trump step down.

Separately, a guest invited by Rep. Omar to attend the State of the Union address was arrested and charged with unlawful conduct after standing during a portion of the speech. Omar said the arrest was unjustified and accused authorities of attempting to silence dissent.

The White House has not indicated any retraction or clarification of the president’s remarks. Supporters argue that Trump was responding to what they describe as disrespectful behavior during a formal national address, while opponents say the episode reflects a broader pattern of escalating rhetoric against political rivals and minority communities.

The incident has further deepened divisions in Washington and added to growing international scrutiny of America’s political climate ahead of upcoming electoral contests.