Obama made the remarks in a statement posted on his verified X account on Sunday, October 18, 2026, following a federal search of Omar’s Washington, D.C., residence as part of an investigation into her immigration and naturalisation records.

The former president argued that government authorities should not single out individuals because of their political views or criticism of those in power. He described the investigation as an alarming example of what he considers the use of federal institutions to intimidate political opponents.

Obama defended Omar’s citizenship history, explaining that she arrived in the United States from Somalia as a child and became a naturalised American citizen in 2000, when she was 17.

He noted that Omar went on to complete her education, work in community organising and enter public service before becoming the first Somali-American woman elected to the US Congress.

According to Obama, Omar’s outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump has repeatedly placed her at the centre of political controversy. He argued that the renewed scrutiny of her citizenship raised serious concerns about whether federal authority was being used for political purposes.

The investigation reportedly centres on allegations that Omar or members of her family provided inaccurate information about her age or other details during the immigration and naturalisation process. Authorities are examining whether any discrepancies could affect the legal basis on which she obtained US citizenship.

Omar has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and characterised the investigation as politically motivated. The probe could potentially lead to legal proceedings over her citizenship status, but no finding that she committed immigration fraud has been established in the publicly available reports.

Federal agents searched Omar’s Washington residence earlier in October and reportedly seized electronic devices and documents. The search intensified criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who questioned the timing of the investigation ahead of the US midterm elections.

Obama also pointed to other cases involving individuals viewed as political opponents of the Trump administration, arguing that the use of federal investigative and prosecutorial powers against critics could undermine public confidence in the justice system.

He warned that even people who disagree with Omar politically should be concerned about the broader implications if government agencies are perceived to be targeting elected officials because of their views.

The former president expressed doubt that the allegations against Omar would ultimately withstand legal scrutiny, while acknowledging that a prolonged investigation could impose financial and personal burdens on the congresswoman and distract her from her legislative responsibilities.

Obama’s intervention adds to the growing political debate surrounding the investigation, with Democrats raising concerns about political retaliation and the administration’s supporters arguing that immigration and citizenship allegations should be investigated through lawful procedures.

The central issue remains whether the investigation will produce evidence of a legal violation or whether, as Omar and her supporters contend, it is being used to pressure a prominent critic of the president.

Reporting by TalkNaija Media