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(TJV) U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) is facing an ethics complaint from the American Accountability Foundation (AAF), a conservative watchdog group, due to her hosting an event with former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire. Last weekend, Khaire joined Omar to support her reelection campaign.
The AAF claims that Khaire’s participation in Omar’s campaign rally violated the U.S. Federal Election Campaign Act, prompting them to demand Omar’s resignation. They expressed their concern over the rally, stating that it involved a foreign leader in an American election, which they believe is illegal. The AAF argued that Omar should resign immediately and return all funds raised at the event.
The watchdog group alleged two specific violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act: first, that Omar knowingly accepted Khaire’s services at her campaign events, which they claim exceeded permissible volunteer services from a foreign national; second, that Khaire was possibly compensated by a prohibited source, suggesting that the nonprofit Ka Joog might have organized and funded his trip to the U.S. They contend that Omar knowingly accepted a corporate contribution tied to Khaire’s travel and lodging costs to boost voter turnout among Minnesota’s Somali-American community.
During the rally, Khaire urged attendees to support Omar, emphasizing the importance of her reelection. He made comments suggesting Omar’s interests aligned more with Somalia than with Minnesota or the U.S.
Thomas Jones, AAF president, condemned the rally as a clear violation of U.S. election laws and called for Omar’s immediate resignation and the return of all funds raised.
However, Omar’s campaign counsel, David Mitrani, denied any wrongdoing, attributing the complaint to a smear campaign by the far-right. Mitrani insisted that Omar’s campaign had no role in coordinating Khaire’s appearance or comments, and thus, there was no violation of the law.
Khaire’s remarks about Omar’s loyalty to Somalia sparked criticism, recalling past accusations against Omar regarding her stance on Israel. Critics pointed to her previous comments suggesting that the American Jewish community maintained allegiance to Israel. This history, along with her vocal criticism of Israel and support for the BDS movement, has made Omar a controversial figure.
Omar faced backlash for her delayed response to Hamas’ attacks on southern Israel and for her immediate call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Additionally, her comments about Jewish college students during a visit to Columbia University further fueled bipartisan criticism.
