Obama slams Trump administration over Ilhan Omar probe, faces backlash

Former US President Barack Obama has triggered a political backlash after defending Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar amid federal investigations into her immigration history and financial disclosures.

According to Fox News, Obama accused President Donald Trump’s administration of using federal authority to target Omar because of her criticism of the president.

“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,” Obama wrote on X.

He added: “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.”

Conservative commentators swiftly criticised Obama’s remarks, pointing to controversies surrounding investigations conducted during his administration.

One critic wrote: “This is the same guy whose IRS went after Tea Party groups. Spare me the lecture, Barack.”

The White House rejected Obama’s allegations, with spokeswoman Lauren Bis telling Fox News: “Unlike Joe Biden, President Trump has not weaponized the Department of Justice against his political foes.”

Omar denies wrongdoing, while the investigations remain ongoing.