Washington (MNN); United States President Donald Trump on Monday suggested that the Justice Department is investigating the finances of Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, as his administration faces backlash following the killing of demonstrator Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.
Trump also announced that he is sending federal border official Tom Homan to Minnesota, where protests have erupted since federal immigration officers fatally shot Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, on Saturday morning.
“Tom is tough but fair, and will report directly to me. Separately, a major investigation is going on with respect to the massive 20 Billion Dollar, Plus, Welfare Fraud that has taken place in Minnesota, and is at least partially responsible for the violent organized protests going on in the streets,” Trump wrote on social media.
The president added, “Additionally, the DOJ and Congress are looking at ‘Congresswoman’ Ilhan Omar, who left Somalia with NOTHING, and is now reportedly worth more than 44 Million Dollars. Time will tell all.” Omar’s wealth has reportedly increased in recent years due to her husband’s financial resources.
Trump has repeatedly targeted Omar, often using Islamophobic language, and last week urged the Justice Department to begin an investigation into her financial and political activities immediately. Omar, a Somali-American representing part of Minneapolis, has been a vocal critic of Trump’s policies, including his attacks on the Somali community.
In recent months, Trump has focused on a Minnesota COVID-era welfare fraud scandal, in which dozens—including some Somali immigrants—have been charged, and used it to criticize Omar and the local Somali community. Late last year, he also mocked Omar’s hijab in public remarks.
The federal immigration crackdown in Minnesota, part of Trump’s broader enforcement efforts, has sparked national controversy after two recent fatal shootings: Renee Good, a US citizen, and Alex Pretti, both killed during confrontations with immigration agents. Video evidence has cast doubt on official accounts, showing that Pretti held only a cellphone and had empty hands when shot.
Omar condemned the killings, stating, “I am absolutely horrified that federal agents are targeting and executing our residents instead of protecting them.” She called for federal immigration officers to leave Minneapolis and demanded the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
