Justice Department's probe of Ilhan Omar faces political criticism
Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota faces a federal inquiry that included a raid on her home. Critics say it is driven by politics, weeks before the midterms.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
What happened
The Justice Department is investigating Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, including a raid on her home. Critics say the move is about politics and came just weeks before the midterm elections. Former Republican Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty acknowledged there was a political dimension to the probe.
Why it matters
Critics say the department has harmed itself by targeting a congresswoman so close to the midterms. Minnesotans predict the move will boost turnout for DFL candidates.
Timeline
- Oct 19, 6:00 AM ET: Critics said the department had done institutional damage to itself by targeting a congresswoman weeks before the midterms.
- Oct 19, 8:46 AM ET: Minnesotans said the raid on Omar's home was about politics and argued it would backfire by boosting turnout for DFL candidates.
- Oct 20, 11:52 AM ET: Pawlenty acknowledged on Tuesday morning that the Trump administration's investigation of Omar had a political dimension.
Coverage
- Former Minnesota GOP governor sees ‘political layer’ to Omar probe (The Hill)
- Minnesota has Ilhan Omar’s back (The Washington Post)
- DoJ’s Ilhan Omar Probe Reeks of Politics (nymag.com)
- Letitia James is the most 'political' AG in the country: Jonathan Turley (Fox News)
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