When Representative Ilhan Omar described America as “one of the worst countries” during a recent interview, she likely didn’t expect her comments would trigger a response from one of America’s most famous immigrants. But that’s exactly what happened when Arnold Schwarzenegger, former California governor and iconic actor, delivered a passionate defense of American opportunity that stands in stark contrast to Omar’s criticism.
The exchange has ignited a nationwide conversation about gratitude, opportunity, and what it means to be an American in 2025.
Omar’s Controversial Statement: America as “One of the Worst Countries”
During a televised interview, Representative Ilhan Omar made the remarkable claim that America has become “one of the worst countries.” Her specific criticism centered on what she characterized as military presence in American streets “without any regard for people’s constitutional rights.”
“To have a democracy, a beacon of hope for the world to now be turned into one of the worst countries where the military are in our streets without any regard for people’s constitutional rights,” Omar stated, drawing immediate backlash from conservatives and many moderate Americans alike.
Omar, who came to America as a refugee from Somalia and has risen to become a member of Congress, has frequently found herself at the center of controversy for statements perceived as critical of the country that provided her sanctuary and opportunity.
Schwarzenegger’s Powerful Rebuttal: The Immigrant Perspective
When appearing on “The View,” Arnold Schwarzenegger was asked about immigration issues facing America. Rather than taking the bait to criticize American policy, Schwarzenegger offered a deeply personal perspective on American opportunity.
“I’m so proud and happy that I was embraced by the American people like that,” Schwarzenegger explained. “I mean, imagine—I came over here at the age of 21 with absolutely nothing, and then to create a career like that… In no other country in the world could you do that.”
The former governor continued, emphasizing that “every single thing—if it’s my bodybuilding career, if it’s my acting career, becoming governor, the beautiful family that I’ve created—all of this is because of America. And so this is why I’m so happy to see firsthand that this is the greatest country in the world, and it is the land of opportunity.”
Schwarzenegger’s comments reflect the classic immigrant success story that has defined America for generations—a sharp contrast to Omar’s critical view.
Legal Immigration and Personal Responsibility: Schwarzenegger’s Key Points
Beyond simply praising America, Schwarzenegger made several crucial points about immigration that resonated strongly with conservative audiences:
- Legal immigration matters: “The key thing also is at the same time that we’ve got to do things legally. That is the important thing.”
- America deserves respect: “When you come to America, you’re a guest and you have to behave like a guest. Like when I go to someone’s house and I’m a guest, then I will do everything I can to keep things clean.”
- Reciprocity is essential: “If I get all of those things from America, then I have to give something back. You have a responsibility as an immigrant to give back to America and to pay back to America.”
- Civic engagement is crucial: Schwarzenegger advocated for immigrants to “go and do something for your community for no money whatsoever. Give something back to after-school programs, Special Olympics, or whatever it is. Make this country a better place.”
These principles of legal immigration, respect for American values, and giving back to one’s adopted country form a coherent conservative vision of immigration that stands in stark opposition to progressives who often emphasize America’s flaws over its opportunities.
Chad Prather’s Analysis: The Heights of Ingratitude
Conservative commentator Chad Prather offered a blistering critique of Omar’s statement, highlighting what he sees as profound ingratitude from someone who has benefited tremendously from American opportunity.
“This woman has been coddled by the very freedoms that this country has given her,”
Prather noted.
“Forget the fact that she rose from a refugee camp in Africa to a luxury condo in Washington DC, and she’s still going to have time to go on a news program and literally spit on the freedom and the flag that has given her everything. It is the height of hypocrisy.”
Prather contrasted Omar’s current circumstances with the reality she escaped:
“She escaped a war-torn lawless hellhole in Somalia, a failed state, a place where little girls are mutilated, women are property, warlords decide who eats, and death is always just around the corner.”
This comparison underscores a point many conservatives make: criticism of America often lacks proper context and perspective about the alternatives that exist around the world.
The Military’s Role: Protection vs. Oppression
One key point of contention between Omar’s view and the conservative perspective centers on the role of the military and law enforcement in maintaining civil order during periods of unrest.
Omar characterized military presence during recent riots as evidence of America becoming “one of the worst countries.” By contrast, conservatives like Prather see such presence as essential protection of American citizens and property.
“When the National Guard shows up to bring peace, not with machetes to cut people’s hands and arms off, not ordering people to rape and pillage—if you think that makes us one of the worst, then you need to go take a semester abroad in some of those actual hellholes,” Prather argued.
This fundamental disagreement about the nature of American authority—whether it primarily protects citizens or oppresses them—reveals deeper divides about how Americans perceive their own country.
American Exceptionalism: Still a Powerful Ideal
The clash between Omar’s criticism and Schwarzenegger’s praise highlights the ongoing debate about American exceptionalism—the idea that the United States occupies a special place in the world due to its unique founding principles and opportunities.
Schwarzenegger’s perspective reflects the traditional view that America remains exceptional, offering unique opportunities not found elsewhere. This July 4th, he will deliver the keynote address at Mount Vernon, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and witnessing new citizens being sworn in—a powerful symbol of America’s continuing appeal to immigrants worldwide.
“I just think the world of the great kind of history that we have with immigrants in America,” Schwarzenegger noted, while emphasizing that this appreciation must be coupled with respect for American law and values.
Why This Matters: The Battle for American Identity
The contrasting perspectives of Omar and Schwarzenegger represent more than just a disagreement between two public figures. They reflect a deeper cultural battle over American identity that has intensified in recent years.
At its core, this debate asks: Is America fundamentally good and exceptional despite its flaws, or is it fundamentally flawed despite its achievements?
How Americans answer this question shapes their approach to critical issues including:
- Immigration policy: Whether emphasis should be on enforcement or access
- Civic education: What values should be transmitted to the next generation
- National security: How to balance protection with individual liberties
- Foreign policy: America’s proper role in the world
Gratitude as a Core Value
Perhaps the most striking contrast between Schwarzenegger and Omar is their relative expressions of gratitude toward America. While Omar focuses on criticism, Schwarzenegger emphasizes appreciation.
This difference resonates strongly with conservative audiences who value patriotism and national pride as core virtues. For many Americans, gratitude for the nation’s opportunities and sacrifices is seen as a prerequisite for constructive criticism.
As Prather bluntly put it: “If you can’t show a shred of gratitude for a nation that gave you everything,” then perhaps it’s time to gain some perspective on what life is like outside America’s borders.
The Reality of Immigration Appeal
One simple fact undermines the claim that America is “one of the worst countries”: millions of people worldwide still desperately want to come here.
“If America is the worst country in the world,” Prather asked rhetorically, “why do millions of people around this world still dream of getting here, living here? Why do people risk life and limb to cross deserts and oceans just to stand on our soil?”
The persistent appeal of America to immigrants worldwide serves as powerful evidence against claims that America has become fundamentally oppressive or unjust. People vote with their feet, and they continue choosing America when given the opportunity.
Conclusion: The Responsibility of Freedom
The stark contrast between Omar’s criticism and Schwarzenegger’s appreciation illuminates an essential truth about American freedom: it comes with responsibility.
Schwarzenegger articulated this principle clearly when he explained that immigrants have a duty to contribute to their adopted homeland: “If I get all of those things from America, then I have to give something back.”
This principle of reciprocity—that freedom entails responsibility—lies at the heart of the conservative vision for America. It suggests that the proper response to American opportunity is not endless criticism, but gratitude expressed through contribution.
As America continues navigating complex challenges around immigration, civil unrest, and national identity, this debate between gratitude and criticism will remain central to our national conversation.
For millions of Americans who still believe in American exceptionalism, Schwarzenegger’s immigrant perspective offers a powerful reminder: America remains, despite its flaws, the greatest country in the world and the land of opportunity.
America’s story is still being written every day. For more insightful analysis on the cultural debates shaping our nation’s future, subscribe to Stucci Media and join a community of patriots who value truth, freedom, and American exceptionalism.
