Trump escalates attack on Ilhan Omar as talk of jail and deportation fuels political outrage
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President Donald Trump suggested Rep. Ilhan Omar could face prison and deportation if a federal probe finds citizenship fraud, prompting criticism that the case is being turned into a political spectacle aimed at a Democratic congresswoman.
President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Rep. Ilhan Omar could be sentenced to jail and possibly deported if investigators determine she committed citizenship fraud. In response to a question about Omar's age and potential deportation, Trump said, "Well, she could be. She could also go to jail. You know, they keep talking about deportation. No, she could go to jail."
Trump added that the remarks reflected his personal view and described Omar as "a very dishonest person" who "hates our country." He did not cite specific charges or present new evidence during the exchange, underscoring how the president used the moment to intensify a politically charged attack rather than provide factual updates.
The comments followed statements by border security official Tom Homan, who said Omar could lose her citizenship and be deported if a fraud case is substantiated. Federal agents searched Omar's Washington, D.C., residence on Oct. 12, seizing a cellphone and other items. The investigation focuses on whether Omar or her father misrepresented her birth year on immigration paperwork, affecting her eligibility for citizenship through her father's naturalization in 2000.
Omar has denied any wrongdoing, and Democratic leaders have characterized the probe as political targeting. Homan indicated that if evidence supports fraud, denaturalization and deportation are possible, noting that similar actions have been taken in the past.
Trump also questioned Omar's criticism of U.S. policies, asking why she, after arriving from Somalia, feels entitled to advise Americans on how to run the country. He concluded by saying he hopes the investigation treats her fairly.