US President Donald Trump has suggested that Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar could face imprisonment or deportation as federal authorities investigate allegations concerning her immigration and citizenship records.
Trump made the remarks on Tuesday during a news conference at the White House, where he announced a $25m whistleblower incentive programme designed to reward individuals whose reports of certain fraud or criminal offences lead to charges.
Responding to a reporter who asked whether Omar could be deported if investigators uncovered discrepancies concerning her age, Trump said imprisonment was also a possibility.
“Well, she could be. She could also go to jail,” Trump responded. “You know, they keep talking about deportation. No, she could go to jail.”
The president appeared alongside Vice President JD Vance during the announcement and also criticised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Omar and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison over alleged fraud in the state.
Trump accused Omar and Walz of having knowledge of the alleged wrongdoing but did not provide evidence to substantiate the claims.
“That little, little congresswoman, lovely little woman she is. She knew. They all knew they were all scammers and thieves and so bad for our country,” he said.
The president continued his criticism of the congresswoman, questioning her honesty and loyalty to the United States.
“This is just my opinion. I think she’s a sick, a very dishonest person,” Trump said, later adding, “She’s a disgrace to our country.”
Despite his accusations, Trump said he expected Omar to receive fair treatment during the investigation.
“But I will say this, I hope they treat her fairly, but I think she’s a very dishonest person,” he added.
The comments come amid an ongoing federal investigation into allegations involving Omar’s immigration and citizenship documentation.
Federal agents reportedly searched the congresswoman’s Washington, DC, residence on October 12 as part of the inquiry. Fox News reported that investigators seized her passport and cellphone during the operation and also obtained her DNA.
About a dozen members of Omar’s family have reportedly received grand jury subpoenas in connection with the investigation. Fox News also reported that authorities spoke with her sister, although the subject of their discussion has not been disclosed.
Omar has consistently denied wrongdoing concerning her immigration records and criticised the search of her residence.
She previously described the operation as “an outrageous abuse of power” and a “weaponization of federal law enforcement.”
The investigation has also prompted comments from Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, who said Omar could lose her US citizenship if investigators established that she obtained it through fraud.
Such a process, known as denaturalisation, could potentially lead to deportation, depending on the findings and applicable legal requirements.
However, Omar has not been criminally charged, and the allegations against her remain unproven.
