A missed appearance at a key state hearing has intensified scrutiny surrounding Ilhan Omar, as a Minnesota Republican lawmaker is now formally demanding documents and answers tied to a massive pandemic-era fraud case.
According to Fox News, Kristin Robbins, who chairs the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee, sent a letter on April 22 criticizing Omar for not showing up to testify before the panel.
The hearing focused on issues connected to a federal COVID-19 relief effort and its potential role in enabling widespread fraud.
“Minnesotans and the Members of the House Fraud Prevention & State Oversight Committee were disappointed that you failed to appear before our committee to answer questions,” Robbins wrote, referencing Omar’s absence from the scheduled session.
Despite the no-show, Robbins made clear the inquiry would continue. Her letter includes a sweeping request for records from Omar’s office, seeking insight into how the congresswoman promoted expanded access to federal child nutrition programs during the pandemic.
Among the materials requested are emails, text messages, and meeting records involving the Minnesota Department of Education and constituents.
The request also highlights Omar’s public promotion of a Minneapolis restaurant later linked to the investigation.
Robbins pointed to a Somali-language television appearance in which Omar discussed Safari Restaurant as a meal distribution site, asking for all related communications and background information tied to that promotion.
During the hearing, lawmakers reviewed that video while examining reported connections between Omar and individuals in the Minneapolis Somali community who have been implicated in the case.
Robbins is also seeking documentation of any contact between Omar and a long list of people charged or tied to the scandal, including nonprofit founder Aimee Bock and other alleged co-conspirators.
“She didn’t even respond, ghosted us,” Robbins said. “And her Meals Act is what created the conditions that allowed Feeding Our Future to happen.”
When asked whether Omar had replied to previous outreach, Robbins said, “No, we’ve sent multiple emails, multiple letters, nothing.”
The letter further questions political donations Omar received from individuals later charged in the case, requesting “any and all” communications with those contributors.
Robbins, who is also running for governor, has given Omar a deadline of May 5 to provide a written response along with the requested records.
The dispute is part of a broader investigation into the “Feeding Our Future” scandal, which federal prosecutors allege involved the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded child nutrition aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The situation adds to mounting attention surrounding Omar, who is already facing separate questions related to her financial disclosures and other allegations that have drawn political criticism.
