Investigation Into Ilhan Omar’s Husband Could Expand to Somalia

House Republicans are escalating scrutiny of Rep. Ilhan Omar’s household finances, broadening an investigation into the overseas business dealings of her husband, Tim Mynett, amid mounting questions about foreign ties and a sharp rise in reported assets.

Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), chairman of the powerful House Oversight Committee, has formally requested that Mynett turn over detailed records tied to his international travel, communications, and ventures conducted through his investment firm, Rose Lake Capital. The deadline for compliance is February 19, according to congressional correspondence.

At issue are Mynett’s reported activities and business discussions in Somalia, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates—regions where his firm has explored potential energy and development projects. Lawmakers are seeking documentation related to travel itineraries, business solicitations, and communications connected to those countries.

The inquiry follows financial disclosures showing a notable increase in the couple’s reported wealth over a relatively short time span. Republicans argue that the dramatic growth warrants a closer examination of whether foreign investments, partnerships, or business arrangements may have contributed to the spike.

According to the New York Post, “Mynett’s investment firm, Rose Lake Capital, wanted to build solar panels in Africa, and his main business partner received a $10,699 air ticket to Dubai after talks about a deal there.”

The outlet further reported:

Comer’s committee initially spearheaded the probe and in a Feb. 5 letter to Mynett, demanded he turn over “all documents and communications” by anyone affiliated with either Rose Lake Capital LLC or his failed California winery eStCru LLC related to travel “to the United Arab Emirates, Somalia or Kenya, or travel undertaken to solicit business connected to those countries. This includes the dates of travel, the individuals who traveled, and the stated purpose of each trip.”

Mynett has until Thursday of this week to respond, according to reports.

Rose Lake Capital has reportedly pursued solar energy initiatives in East Africa, including discussions surrounding projects in Somalia and Kenya. A business-related trip to Dubai by one of Mynett’s partners has also drawn attention. Critics argue that these international connections underscore the need for transparency, particularly when a sitting member of Congress represents U.S. interests on the global stage.

An Omar spokesperson has dismissed the probe as politically motivated. Meanwhile, some lawmakers have suggested that the House Ethics Committee could ultimately assert jurisdiction over certain aspects of the review. For now, the Oversight Committee’s investigation remains active, with additional records requested as part of its constitutional mandate to ensure accountability.

Tensions escalated further after Omar publicly criticized President Donald J. Trump, now serving his second term in the White House. In response, Comer fired back, saying she “needs to keep her mouth shut.”

President Trump has also weighed in forcefully amid broader investigations into alleged misuse of public assistance funds in Minnesota. During a recent interview, he suggested Omar could face serious legal exposure.

“There is 19 Billion Dollars in Minnesota Somalia Fraud. Fake ‘Congresswoman’ Illhan [sic] Omar, a constant complainer who hates the USA, knows everything there is to know. She should be in jail, or even a worse punishment, sent back to Somalia, considered one of the absolutely worst countries in the World. She could help to MAKE SOMALIA GREAT AGAIN!” he wrote.

In a separate Truth Social post, the president added: “‘Scammer’ Illhan Omar and her absolutely terrible friends from Somalia should all be in jail right now or, far worse, send them back to Somalia,” he wrote in a Truth Social post. “‘Governor’ Waltz is either the most CORRUPT government official in history, or the most INCOMPETENT. Even a very low IQ person, of which there are many, should have known what was going on in Minnesota!!! President DJT.”

President Trump characterized the alleged fraud in Minnesota as potentially one of the largest public assistance scandals in U.S. history, citing programs involving food aid, healthcare, and social services. He argued that as a high-profile lawmaker from the state, Omar bears scrutiny as investigations continue.

As House Republicans press forward, the outcome of the Oversight Committee’s inquiry could have significant implications—not only for Mynett’s business operations, but also for the broader debate over ethics, foreign influence, and accountability in Congress.