GOP Lawmakers Demand Federal and State Investigations into Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Tax Filings Amid Longstanding Allegations
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — In a move that has reignited one of Washington’s most controversial political sagas, a group of ten Minnesota Republican state legislators is calling for federal and state tax authorities to launch investigations into the tax filings of U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN). The lawmakers cite a series of alleged improprieties ranging from tax fraud and campaign finance violations to unreported income and improper deductions, demanding accountability and transparency from one of Congress’s most polarizing figures.
The coordinated effort comes as part of a broader campaign that has dogged Omar since her first election to Congress in 2018, fueled by persistent rumors, disputed claims, and a growing list of documented campaign finance infractions. While some of the most salacious allegations — such as claims she married her brother to facilitate immigration — remain unproven and are widely dismissed as conspiracy theories, the financial questions have gained traction thanks to findings from Minnesota’s own campaign finance watchdog.
The Press Conference: Lawmakers Lay Out Their Case
At a press conference this week, State Representative Steve Drazkowski, flanked by nine other GOP lawmakers, outlined the grounds for their request to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Citing findings from the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, Drazkowski alleged that Omar filed joint tax returns with her current husband, Ahmed Hirsi, in 2014 and 2015, while she was still legally married to another man, Ahmed Elmi.
“Representative Omar had improperly and deliberately filed for a tax status for which she was not qualified — an illegal action in both federal and state law,” Drazkowski said. “The campaign finance board exposed crystal-clear probable cause for a tax fraud or tax evasion investigation.”
The lawmakers further allege that Omar and Hirsi lived together as a couple for 17 years, raising questions about her marital status and tax filings over a longer period. “Given her record of crimes and violations of so many laws, it may be worth evaluating her claims of status in those other years as well,” Drazkowski added.
In addition to the tax filings, the GOP lawmakers pointed to a pattern of alleged financial misconduct, including:
Simultaneous Cohabitation: Claims that Omar lived with both her first and second husbands at the same addresses in Minnesota and North Dakota between 2009 and 2011, potentially impacting her legal tax status and eligibility for certain deductions.
Background: A History of Scrutiny
Ilhan Omar, the first Somali-American and one of the first two Muslim women ever elected to Congress, has been a lightning rod for both progressive enthusiasm and conservative criticism since her arrival in Washington. Her outspoken stance on foreign policy, immigration, and social justice — coupled with her personal story as a refugee and trailblazer — has made her a frequent target of both legitimate scrutiny and, at times, xenophobic attacks.
The most persistent rumor — that Omar married her brother to commit immigration fraud — has never been substantiated. Omar has repeatedly denied the claim, calling it a “racist smear,” and mainstream news organizations have found no conclusive evidence to support it. Nevertheless, the story continues to circulate, often cited as background noise in discussions of her finances.
The more substantive issues, however, stem from her campaign’s financial practices. In 2019, the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board fined Omar for using campaign funds to pay for personal travel and legal costs related to her tax filings. The Board’s findings, which included the improper joint tax filings at the heart of the current GOP push, have been a focal point for critics.
The Tax Filing Controversy: What’s Known
According to the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board, Omar and Hirsi filed joint tax returns in 2014 and 2015, despite Omar being legally married to Elmi at the time. Tax experts note that filing jointly with someone who is not your legal spouse is a violation of both state and federal law. The Board also found that Omar used campaign funds to pay a law firm to review her tax filings — another violation.
“Did the illegal filing produce a lower tax liability for the couple?” Drazkowski asked at the press conference. “Did her legal tax filing bring her tax exemption for which she was not legally qualified?” He and his colleagues are demanding that state and federal tax authorities answer these questions through a formal investigation.
Pattern of Conduct or Partisan Witch Hunt?
Omar’s defenders argue that the renewed focus on her finances is part of a broader pattern of political harassment, fueled by racism, Islamophobia, and partisan animosity. They point out that many of the allegations have already been investigated by state authorities, with findings limited to civil penalties rather than criminal charges. Omar herself has described the scrutiny as “expected” for someone who challenges the status quo in Washington.
“Is anyone surprised that I am being targeted?” she said in a recent speech. “Is anyone surprised that I am somehow deemed unworthy to speak about American foreign policy or that they see me as a powerful voice that needs to be silenced? Frankly, it is expected.”
Her critics, however, insist the issue is not identity but accountability. “If a conservative Republican had this stack of allegations, Washington would already be in meltdown mode,” Drazkowski said. “Instead, it’s silence.”
The Push for Investigations: What Lawmakers Want
The Minnesota lawmakers are not themselves prosecutors, and they acknowledge that they have no special sway over the IRS or state tax authorities. However, they argue that their collective voice — representing tens of thousands of Minnesotans — should prompt action.
“We are simply asking them to do their jobs,” Drazkowski said. “When they see very clear, blatant violations of our laws, we find every way we can to appeal to the people who can investigate and prosecute those laws.”
The lawmakers have also reached out to Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), the House Ethics Committee, and have launched a public campaign at omarrruth.com, where they say over 44,000 people have signed on demanding an investigation.
What Happens Next?
The IRS and the Minnesota Department of Revenue have not commented publicly on the lawmakers’ request. It is standard practice for both agencies to neither confirm nor deny ongoing investigations. The House Ethics Committee is also reviewing a formal complaint filed by Drazkowski, but such inquiries can take months or years and are often conducted behind closed doors.
Legal experts note that, while the campaign finance violations have already resulted in fines, tax fraud is a more serious matter and could carry criminal penalties if proven. However, they also caution that tax law is complex and that honest mistakes — even those involving joint filings — are often resolved through civil means rather than prosecution.
Broader Implications: Rule of Law or Political Theater?
The controversy over Omar’s finances raises larger questions about the enforcement of ethics and tax laws for elected officials. Critics argue that Congress is too often unwilling to police its own, while defenders warn that partisan attacks can undermine legitimate oversight.
“This isn’t about party lines,” said one commentator. “It’s about whether the law applies equally to every American, regardless of their title, identity, or political advantage. Because if Congress can skate past clear evidence of wrongdoing while the rest of us sweat through audits, the system stops being a system. It becomes an excuse machine for the well-connected.”
Conclusion: The Spotlight Remains
For now, the spotlight remains squarely on Ilhan Omar, as GOP lawmakers, watchdog groups, and media outlets continue to press for answers. Whether the IRS or state authorities will act on the requests remains to be seen. What is clear is that, in an era of deep political division and skepticism about the integrity of public institutions, the demand for transparency and accountability shows no sign of fading — and neither does the controversy surrounding one of Congress’s most watched members.
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