Trump Escalates Attacks on Rep. Ilhan Omar, Suggesting She ‘Could Go to Jail’
President Donald Trump intensified his long-running criticism of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) on Tuesday, telling reporters during an Oval Office press conference that the congresswoman “could go to jail” or be deported amid a federal investigation into her immigration and citizenship records. The remarks came as Trump fielded questions on a range of topics, but he seized the opportunity to revisit his grievances with Omar, a frequent target of his ire. “I mean, I don’t know: If you get sworn in with a false name, I would imagine that’s pretty tough to remain,” Trump said, implying that Omar may have committed wrongdoing. He went on to call her a “scammer,” repeating a label he has used before. The president’s comments mark a significant escalation in his rhetoric against the Minnesota Democrat, who has faced scrutiny over allegations that she married her brother to circumvent immigration laws—claims she has denied.nnThe investigation into Omar’s immigration status has been a persistent theme in conservative media and among Republican lawmakers. Omar, who was born in Somalia, maintains that she became a U.S. citizen at age 17 through her father, who became a naturalized citizen in 2000, five years after emigrating to the United States. She has consistently dismissed the allegations against her as baseless and politically motivated. Trump, however, has continued to question her background, and his latest remarks suggest he believes the probe could yield serious consequences. “And she comes from a country that is essentially not even a country,” Trump added, a comment that drew immediate criticism for its disparaging tone toward Somalia.nnThe timing of Trump’s remarks is notable: they came just days before he was set to hold a rally in Sioux City, Iowa, on Thursday for Republican candidates in the Hawkeye State. Trump has often used rallies and public appearances to energize his base with attacks on progressive lawmakers, particularly those who have been outspoken critics of his administration. Omar, a member of the progressive “Squad,” has been a frequent foil for Trump, who has previously suggested she should “go back” to her country of origin—a comment that was widely condemned as racist. The president’s latest comments are likely to further inflame tensions and could serve as a rallying
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