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Obama Accuses Trump Administration of Targeting Ilhan Omar Over Criticism

Former US President Barack Obama has criticised the Trump administration over an investigation into Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s immigration history, alleging that the action risks turning federal power against political critics.

By GlowRy Atuah

2 min read 2 views Updated Oct 22, 2026
Former US President Barack Obama has accused President Donald Trump’s administration of targeting Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar because of her criticism of the president, warning that the case raises concerns about the use of federal power against political opponents.

Obama made the remarks in a statement posted on his verified social media account on Sunday, arguing that government authorities should not selectively target individuals because of their political beliefs or public statements.

His comments followed a search of Omar’s Washington-area home by federal agents on October 12 as part of an investigation into her immigration and naturalisation records. The inquiry is examining allegations concerning paperwork linked to her arrival in the United States and acquisition of citizenship.

Omar, who was born in Somalia and became a naturalised US citizen in 2000, has denied wrongdoing and described the investigation as political intimidation. Authorities have not publicly disclosed evidence establishing that she committed immigration fraud.

Obama argued that the effort to investigate Omar could impose significant legal and personal costs even if the allegations do not lead to a successful prosecution. He also warned that normalising such actions could expose political figures from either party to similar treatment in the future.

The dispute has intensified political tensions in Washington ahead of the November midterm elections. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Omar have not been proven in court.

The Trump administration has maintained that immigration fraud should be investigated where evidence supports it, while Omar’s supporters have questioned the timing and motivation behind the inquiry.

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Summary

Former US President Barack Obama has criticised the Trump administration over an investigation into Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s immigration history, alleging that the action risks turning federal power against political critics. Former US President Barack Obama has accused President Donald Trump’s administration of targeting Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar because of her criticism of the president, warning that the case...

Key takeaways
  • Former US President Barack Obama has criticised the Trump administration over an investigation into Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s immigration history, alleging that the action risks turning federal power against political critics.
  • Former US President Barack Obama has accused President Donald Trump’s administration of targeting Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar because of her criticism of the president, warning that the case raises concerns about the use of federal power against political opponents.Obama made the remarks in a statement posted on his verified social media account on Sunday, arguing that government authorities should not selectively target individuals because of their political beliefs or public statements.His comments followed a search of Omar’s Washington-area home by federal agents on October 12 as part of an investigation into her immigration and naturalisation records.
  • The inquiry is examining allegations concerning paperwork linked to her arrival in the United States and acquisition of citizenship.Omar, who was born in Somalia and became a naturalised US citizen in 2000, has denied wrongdoing and described the investigation as political intimidation.
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Former US President Barack Obama has criticised the Trump administration over an investigation into Congresswoman Ilhan Omar’s immigration history, alleging that the action risks turning federal power against political critics. Former US President Barack Obama has accused President Donald Trump’s administration of targeting Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar because of her criticism of the president, warning that the case...

Who published this story?

Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.

When was it published?

October 19, 2026

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