Ethics Complaint Filed Against Ilhan Omar for Engagement with Former Somali Prime Minister
A watchdog group with conservative leanings filed an ethics complaint against Rep. Ilhan Omar, targeting her recent event with former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire.
At this gathering, Khaire threw his support behind Omar (D-Minn.), encouraging participation in her voting efforts. The American Accountability Foundation (AAF) alleges this might breach the Federal Elections Campaign Act.
“We’re gravely worried about Ilhan Omar’s illicit rally alongside Somalia’s past Prime Minister. Omar’s history shows her allegiance to Somalia over America, but this incident crosses a significant line,” the AAF declared in a release.
“Her campaign’s involvement with a foreign leader calls for her immediate resignation and the return of all funds from this disgraceful event.”
David Mitrani, Omar’s campaign lawyer, rebutted swiftly. He told The Post, “This complaint is just another far-right effort to tarnish the Congresswoman’s name.”
“Congresswoman Omar’s campaign didn’t plan, arrange, or facilitate Khaire’s presence or remarks. Thus, no laws were broken,” he clarified.
AAF requested the Office of Congressional Ethics to investigate Omar, pointing to two possible misconduct instances.
One involves Omar “knowingly” accepting Khaire’s “aid” at “her campaign functions,” which AAF asserts surpassed legal limits for foreign volunteer services by engaging in forbidden decision-making.
AAF specifically claims Khaire’s “distinct” involvement in promoting voter turnout for Omar constitutes “prohibited decision-making.”
“Rally behind her with your votes, inform neighbors and friends, and ensure everyone you know backs Ilhan Omar,” Khaire urged, per AAF’s translation of his speech in the complaint.
“Knock on every door you see to help re-elect her,” he continued.
Footage online shows Khaire conferring with Omar, stressing her imperative to prevail in the Aug. 13 primary. Khaire also posted his speech video on X.
“I took part in the 64th anniversary of Somalia’s independence and unity in Minneapolis, giving a speech to celebrate,” he shared, according to Google Translate.
Federal law bars candidates from “knowingly soliciting, accepting, or receiving contributions or donations from foreign nationals.”
Moreover, AAF alleged Khaire’s “services” to Omar’s campaign “seem compensated by an illicit source.”
The group referenced a NewsChannelNebraska report about Khaire leading the recent 2024 Somali Week Festival.
From that report, AAF concluded that Minneapolis-based non-profit Ka Joog might have “sponsored” Khaire’s US visit.
“Omar’s acceptance of Khaire’s campaign aid suggests she knowingly took a corporate donation linked to his travel and lodging costs to mobilize key voters before her August primary,” AAF’s complaint stated.
The Post reached out to Ka Joog for comments on whether they sponsored Khaire’s US trip, but couldn’t reach Khaire.
Khaire, 56, held office as Somalia’s 19th prime minister from 2017 to 2020.
“Khaire is hugely influential among the Somali diaspora, a critical voting bloc in Omar’s district,” AAF noted.
Omar faces a tough primary against ex-Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels.
This primary coincides with broader challenges faced by the “Squad” and democratic divisions over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
One of two first female Muslim-Americans in the House, Omar has been vocal against Israel’s actions on Hamas, remarks sometimes skirting antisemitism.
Originally from Mogadishu, Somalia, Omar’s family sought asylum in the US during her teenage years. Minnesota boasts the largest Somali community in the country.
Earlier this year, controversy surrounded Omar for allegedly saying, “The US government will act as we dictate.”
“As long as I’m in Congress, no one will seize Somalia’s seas. The United States won’t back others in plundering us,” she reportedly added.
The Office of Congressional Ethics, an independent body overseeing House conduct, refers matters to the House Ethics Committee when necessary.
