Barack Obama defends Ilhan Omar and accuses Trump administration of weaponizing federal government
Former President Barack Obama posted on X on Oct. 18, 2026, defending Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and accusing the Trump administration of weaponizing the federal government against political opponents.
Obama quoted his own statement, "It is a basic principle of American democracy that the government can’t selectively target individuals simply because of their political beliefs or what they say," adding that “that’s exactly what the Trump Administration is doing to Congresswoman Ilhan Omar of Minnesota.” He said federal investigators were acting on an “unsubstantiated theory” about the birthdate Omar used when she became a citizen.
The former president emphasized that the full weight of the federal government was being brought down on a law‑abiding elected official because she dared to criticize the president. He highlighted Omar’s immigration background, noting she arrived in the United States with her father at age 12 and automatically became a citizen at 17 when her father was naturalized.
Obama argued that the theory suggesting Omar was 18 at the time of her father’s naturalization—requiring a separate citizenship application—lacked evidence. He warned that the administration’s actions set a dangerous precedent for selective enforcement, saying such intimidation should outrage all Americans regardless of their view of Omar’s politics.
The post came after federal agents searched Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence on Oct. 12, 2026, as part of a criminal investigation into her immigration status. A warrant signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew J. Sharbaugh authorized the search, with safeguards to protect legislative materials, after the judge found probable cause that evidence of a crime might be present.
Obama also cited other instances of what he called “transparent efforts to intimidate” political opponents, referencing actions involving New York’s attorney general, a former FBI director, and members of the Federal Reserve.
Trump denied involvement in the probe, telling reporters the matter was up to the Justice Department and describing his personal view of Omar as “totally crooked” but unrelated to the investigation.
The investigation follows a separate inquiry into Omar’s finances that began during the Biden administration, and it marks the latest federal action targeting a high‑profile Democratic lawmaker who has been a vocal critic of former President Trump.
Obama concluded that if such weaponization becomes the new normal, there is no reason to believe it will stop with Omar or future presidents of either party.
