In brief
Former President Barack Obama criticized the federal investigation into Representative Ilhan Omar, calling it “so appalling” and politically driven. The White House defended the probe as a matter of law and order, while critics argue it targets Omar for her criticism of President Donald Trump. The investigation centers on alleged discrepancies in Omar’s immigration records, including claims she was not a citizen at the time of naturalization. If proven, the office could seek to denaturalize her. The raid has sparked backlash from both parties, raising questions about potential abuse of investigative power.
Obama says the federal probe into Representative Ilhan Omar is "so appalling" and a misuse of government power.
The former president took to X to accuse the Justice Department of wielding the law against Omar simply because she has criticized President Donald Trump. He urged that if such investigations become normal it could endanger other elected officials regardless of party.
The White House responded that the probe was focused on ensuring compliance with immigration law and maintaining law and order. A White House spokeswoman denied that the investigation is politically motivated.
Last week agents from Homeland Security searched Omar’s Washington DC residence as part of an inquiry into her immigration status. Media reports suggest the focus is on whether she misrepresented her age when she arrived in 1995, possibly lying on her citizenship paperwork.
Obama highlighted that Omar’s father was naturalized when she was 17, raising questions about whether she was an adult at the time of her citizenship. He implied that the administration might try to strip her citizenship on that basis.
If the Justice Department can prove material misstatements in the naturalization process, it could pursue a denaturalization proceeding, effectively revoking Omar’s U.S. citizenship.
Omar’s case is not isolated; in 2023 she was removed from the House Foreign Affairs Committee by Republicans after comments about Israel drew bipartisan criticism. She has called Trump’s actions a “political intimidation” campaign.
Trump, meanwhile, dismissed any connection to the case, labeling Omar a “complainer” and “terrible.” He has repeatedly cast doubt on his own citizenship, which Obama had disproven with documents during his campaign.
During the June raid, federal agents seized Omar’s phone, computers, notebooks and passport. Her lawyers have demanded the return of these items, arguing the seizure violated judicial limits placed to protect a federal lawmaker’s work.
The incident has divided lawmakers. Democrats accuse the raid of interference with the legislative branch, while Republicans insist ordinary legal processes apply to all individuals, regardless of office.
