Former United States President Barack Obama has accused President Donald Trump of using federal power against Congresswoman Ilhan Omar because of her political views.
In a post on X, Obama described the ongoing investigation into the Minnesota lawmaker as a troubling assault on democratic principles.
“To understand why this is so appalling, it’s important to know the facts. 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,” Obama wrote.
He said Omar arrived in the United States with her father at the age of 12 and later became a naturalised American citizen after her father’s naturalisation.
Obama criticised efforts by the Trump administration to challenge Omar’s citizenship status based on claims surrounding her immigration history, describing the allegations as unsubstantiated.
He also condemned the search of Omar’s Washington residence and the seizure of personal records and electronic devices by federal agents.
The investigation centres on allegations that Omar or members of her family provided inaccurate information during immigration and naturalisation proceedings years ago.
Omar has denied the allegations and maintained that the investigation is politically motivated.
Obama argued that the matter reflects a broader pattern of federal agencies being used against political opponents, citing previous investigations involving other prominent critics of the administration.
He warned that such actions could establish a dangerous precedent for future governments and urged Americans to remain concerned regardless of political affiliation.
According to the former president, the use of government institutions to intimidate elected officials over their political views undermines democratic accountability and should concern citizens across party lines.
