CNN anchor Jake Tapper became an unexpected viral sensation Wednesday after viewers focused on his reaction during a discussion about the investigation into Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar.
At several points during The Lead, the 57-year-old presenter appeared visibly skeptical and frustrated as senior legal analyst Elie Honig assessed the case.
Honig began by explaining that a search warrant approved this week by a judge outside the Justice Department suggested the court believed there was probable cause to conclude that “a crime was committed.”
The reported investigation concerns allegations that Omar, 44, misstated her birthdate in 2000 in order to improperly claim a benefit that enabled her to obtain citizenship as a minor.
“That seems like a long time ago,” Tapper said before raising his eyebrows and questioning how “important” the case could be when the alleged fraud took place “26 years ago.”
Honig responded that some offenses allow the statute of limitations to continue running if an individual gains immigration status through false statements and then remains in the country.
Tapper remained silent and largely expressionless as Honig explained why the typical five-year statute of limitations for federal immigration offenses might not apply in this situation.
The explanation appeared to undercut a CNN report published Wednesday that Tapper had also co-written.
Jake Tapper, 57, appeared skeptical during a segment in which senior legal analyst Elie Honig challenged claims that the investigation into Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar was politically motivated
Honig, 51, also questioned the argument that the investigation was politically motivated. Clips of the exchange were quickly circulated by conservative influencers Thursday, drawing hundreds of thousands of views.
He noted that portions of the inquiry began during Joe Biden’s administration. Honig added that any alleged obstruction within the past five years could still be subject to prosecution.
Even a recent filing—such as a reapplication or renewal involving Omar or someone connected to her—could have prompted investigators to revisit the matter, he said.
Tapper rolled his eyes, appearing irritated by the response.
“Just… quickly,” the anchor said, shaking his head. “Would it not have been wiser for the congresswoman to go to the Biden Justice Department, say this happened, acknowledge that it was a mistake and offer to pay whatever fine was required?”
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“And then this, you know, [would be] not left up to the Trump Justice Department?”
“I mean, has that occurred to you?”
Honig conceded that Omar “might have fared better under the Biden administration,” but immediately pointed to reports that Homeland Security Investigations officials had been alerted to the alleged fraud while Biden was still president.
Homeland Security officers searched the Washington residence of the Somalia-born congresswoman on Monday. The reported inquiry focuses on whether she misstated her birthdate in 2000 to improperly obtain citizenship
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The agency initially decided not to pursue the matter because investigators lacked sufficient evidence, according to The Wall Street Journal.
“So I think that will undermine any argument she may make later that this investigation is politically selective or vindictive,” Honig said.
Honig ended the segment by acknowledging that “Donald Trump has given [Representative Omar] plenty of ammunition to argue that she is being targeted for personal reasons.”
“So, that’s a battle yet to come,” he added.
Tapper responded with a brief “thanks so much” before sending the program to a commercial break.
Omar’s Washington, DC, home was searched Monday.
The congresswoman, a US citizen who was born in Somalia, has characterized the search as part of a political attack by the administration.
Omar is seeking reelection in Minnesota, where voting in the midterm contest has already begun.
