Obama backs Ilhan Omar amid probe, accuses Trump admin of 'appalling' targeting in lengthy statement

Former President Obama Accuses Trump Administration of Targeting Rep. Ilhan Omar Over Citizenship Investigation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a blistering post on the social‑media platform X, former President Barack Obama criticized the Trump administration for what he described as a “weaponization” of federal power against political opponents. Obama specifically pointed to the ongoing investigation into Representative Ilhan Omar’s U.S. citizenship, claiming the effort is a politically motivated attempt to strip the Minnesota congresswoman of her citizenship and potentially deport her.

The claim comes after federal agents conducted a pre‑dawn search of Omar’s Washington, D.C., home as part of a criminal probe into whether she and her father may have committed fraud on immigration paperwork when she became a citizen decades ago. The investigation is focusing on the timing of her naturalization—whether she automatically became a citizen when her father was naturalized or whether she had to apply separately at a later age.

“We arrive in the United States with our parents, and at the age of 12, Ilhan Omar came with her father. She automatically became a citizen at 17, when her father was naturalized,” Obama wrote. “The full weight of the federal government is being brought down on a law‑bearing elected official because she has dared to criticize the president.”

Obama said the investigation is based on an “unsubstantiated theory” that Omar was 18 at the time of her citizenship, which would have required her to apply separately. He accused the administration of targeting her solely because of her criticism of former President Donald Trump.

“The fact that any president, or any administration, is willing to engage in such transparent efforts to intimidate someone should outrage all Americans,” Obama added. “Because if this becomes the new normal, there’s no reason to believe it will stop with her—or that future presidents, in either party, won’t do the same.”

Trump, who has denied involvement in the investigation, reiterated in a brief statement that the matter is within the jurisdiction of the Justice Department. “I’ve always found her to be totally crooked, personally, but that has nothing to do with me,” Trump told reporters.

The investigation into Omar’s citizenship is not the only case in which the Trump administration has been accused of using federal authority for political purposes. Obama cited federal actions involving New York’s Attorney General, a former FBI director, and members of the Federal Reserve as additional examples of the administration’s “transparent efforts to intimidate” perceived political opponents.

Omar has faced a flurry of scrutiny and media attention in recent weeks. In addition to the criminal investigation, her home search was conducted by Homeland Security investigators and the FBI. The search was carried out early on a Sunday morning, reportedly to gather evidence related to the allegations of fraud.

“Ilhan Omar was born in Somalia and moved to the United States with her family,” a spokesperson for Omar said in a statement. “She has served her constituents in Congress with distinction, and her citizenship status is clear and lawful.”

The investigation was triggered by claims that Omar’s father may have provided false information on immigration documents, thereby compromising Omar’s citizenship. According to sources familiar with the case, investigators are reviewing whether the father’s naturalization process was legitimate or whether fraudulent activity was involved.

Maine‑based political analysts have weighed in on the situation. “This is a deeply troubling episode,” said Dr. Maria Santos, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Maine. “The use of federal resources to investigate a sitting congresswoman’s citizenship raises serious questions about the separation of powers and the rule of law.”

Opponents of the investigation have argued that it is an attempt to silence dissenting voices in Washington. “Ilhan Omar has been outspoken about issues ranging from immigration to foreign policy,” said Omar’s campaign manager, Jameel Khalil. “The timing of this investigation, right after her criticism of President Trump, suggests a political motive.”

On the other side, supporters of the investigation point out that ensuring the integrity of the citizenship process is a legitimate federal concern. “The Department of Homeland Security has an obligation to investigate potential fraud,” said a spokesperson for the Justice Department. “We are following standard procedures.”

The matter has now attracted bipartisan attention, with some lawmakers calling for a review of the investigation’s scope. Representative Susan Collins of Maine, who serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, stated that “the investigation must be transparent and adhere strictly to legal standards.”

In the wake of the controversy, the White House has declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation, citing ongoing federal procedures. The Department of Homeland Security also has not yet issued a statement.

For now, Rep. Ilhan Omar remains in her seat in the House of Representatives, and the investigation into her citizenship continues. The case raises important questions about the balance between federal authority and individual rights, and whether political pressure can influence the use of law‑enforcement resources. As the story unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see how the federal government’s actions align with constitutional safeguards and democratic principles.