Former United States President Barack Obama has accused President Donald Trump of targeting Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar because of her criticism of his administration.
Gatekeepers News reports that Obama made the allegation in a post on X on Sunday while reacting to a federal investigation involving Omar, who represents Minnesota in the US House of Representatives.
“To understand why this is so appalling, it’s important to know the facts,” Obama said.
“The full weight of the federal government is being brought down on a law-abiding elected official because she has dared to criticize the president.”
The investigation has drawn criticism over concerns that federal agencies could be used against political opponents.
Omar, a Somali-American and naturalised US citizen, has faced scrutiny over questions relating to her naturalisation process. The investigation reportedly included a search of her home, the seizure of her phone and subpoenas involving members of her family.
Trump administration officials have defended the investigation, arguing that citizenship obtained through false statements can be challenged under US law.
Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, said denaturalisation could be pursued where evidence establishes that an individual lied during the naturalisation process.
However, Omar and her lawyers have denied wrongdoing and challenged the basis of the investigation, describing the actions against her as politically motivated.
The controversy has renewed concerns among critics of the administration about the use of federal investigative powers against elected officials who oppose the president.
