From BBC News · · 1m 40s
Obama condemns Trump probe of congresswoman Omar
Former president says federal investigation into Ilhan Omar's citizenship is politically motivated retaliation for her criticism of Trump.
In brief
Former president says federal investigation into Ilhan Omar's citizenship is politically motivated retaliation for her criticism of Trump. Barack Obama accused the Trump administration of using federal power to investigate congresswoman Ilhan Omar solely because she criticises the president, calling the probe…
Obama attacks Omar investigation
Former US president Barack Obama said congresswoman Ilhan Omar faces federal criminal investigation solely because she criticises President Donald Trump. He called the probe so appalling.
“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.”
What the investigation concerns
Homeland security agents searched Omar's Washington DC home last week. The probe examines her immigration status and whether she lied about her age when arriving in the US in nineteen ninety five.
Omar's citizenship path
Born in Somalia, Omar moved to the US as a child. Obama said her father became a naturalised citizen when she was seventeen, automatically granting her citizenship as a minor.
The unsubstantiated theory
Obama wrote that the administration claims Omar was actually eighteen when her father was naturalised, making her ineligible for automatic citizenship. He called this theory unsubstantiated.
“Now the Administration is actively trying to deport Congresswoman Omar, seemingly based solely on the unsubstantiated theory that she was actually 18 when her father was naturalized.”
White House denies political motive
White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis said the investigation is not politically motivated. She stated the Department of Justice is focused on restoring law and order and keeping Americans safe.
“Unlike Joe Biden, President Trump has not weaponized the Department of Justice against his political foes.”
Omar's response and legal action
Omar said Trump has targeted her for years with baseless lies and called the investigation the latest escalation in his campaign of political intimidation. Her lawyers demanded the government return seized belongings.
Potential consequences
Federal agents seized Omar's phone, computers, notebooks and passport. The investigation could lead the justice department to seek denaturalisation, or revoke her citizenship, if material lies in the naturalisation process are proven.
What matters most
Barack Obama accused the Trump administration of using federal power to investigate congresswoman Ilhan Omar solely because she criticises the president, calling the probe appalling.
