Ilhan Omar Addresses Rumors She Married Her Brother

Rep. Ilhan Omar is pushing back against allegations tying her to Minnesota’s massive Feeding Our Future fraud scandal, calling claims that she had prior knowledge of the scheme “flat-out false” while also pointing to the Trump administration’s role in creating the federal program rules at the center of the controversy.

In a statement to Fox News Digital on Wednesday, the Minnesota Democrat defended her actions and argued that the framework blamed for enabling the fraud originated during President Donald Trump’s first term.

“The MEALS Act was signed into law by President Trump and passed with bipartisan support as part of a broader legislative package,” Omar said. “Trump’s USDA Secretary set the regulatory framework during the rollout of the program.”

Omar maintained that her focus has always been on combating child hunger and expanding food access during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many normal oversight systems were temporarily loosened in order to quickly distribute aid.

“I have always championed feeding kids and will continue to ensure our children do not go hungry,” she said.

The Feeding Our Future case has become one of the largest pandemic-era fraud scandals in the country. Prosecutors say fraudsters stole hundreds of millions of dollars intended to feed low-income children through federal nutrition programs. Several individuals connected to the nonprofit have already been convicted or charged.

Omar said that once the fraud became public, she immediately sought accountability from federal officials.

“The moment this fraud came to light, I immediately sent a letter to the USDA Secretary demanding answers and accountability,” she said.

She also sharply condemned those responsible for stealing money intended for children.

“As I stated from the beginning, stealing millions of dollars under the guise of feeding hungry children to bankroll lavish lifestyles and extravagant expenses is reprehensible,” Omar said. “I’m grateful that Aimee Bock and every individual involved in this abhorrent scheme are being held accountable for defrauding taxpayers and betraying vulnerable children.”