CNN anchor Jake Tapper inadvertently became a viral sensation Wednesday after viewers focused on his reaction during a segment about the investigation into Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar.
At several points during The Lead, the 57-year-old appeared frustrated and skeptical as senior legal analyst Elie Honig discussed the case.
Honig opened by explaining that a search warrant issued by a judge outside the Justice Department this week indicated that the judge believed there was probable cause to conclude that “a crime was committed.”
The reported investigation centers on whether Omar, 44, falsified her birthdate in 2000 to improperly claim a benefit that enabled her to become a citizen as a minor.
“That seems like a long time ago,” Tapper said before raising his eyebrows and questioning how “important” the case could be if the alleged fraud took place “26 years ago.”
Honig responded that certain offenses may extend the statute of limitations when someone obtains immigration status through false statements and then remains in the country.
Tapper remained silent and expressionless as Honig explained that the five-year statute of limitations covering most federal immigration offenses did not appear to apply in this situation.
Honig’s analysis also undercut a CNN report published Wednesday that was co-written by Tapper.
Jake Tapper, 57, appeared frustrated and skeptical during The Lead as senior legal analyst Elie Honig challenged claims that the investigation into Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was politically motivated.
Honig, 51, also questioned the assertion that the investigation was political. Clips of the exchange were quickly circulated by conservative influencers Thursday and drew hundreds of thousands of views.
He noted that parts of the investigation began in 2018, during Joe Biden’s presidency. Honig added that any alleged obstruction occurring within the past five years could still be prosecuted.
The investigation could also have been triggered by something as routine as new paperwork, such as a reapplication or renewal for citizenship involving Omar or someone connected to her, Honig said.
Tapper responded by rolling his eyes, appearing visibly annoyed.
“Just… quickly,” the anchor said, shaking his head. He then asked whether it would have been wiser for Omar to approach the Biden Justice Department, acknowledge the alleged mistake and offer to pay any applicable fine.
“And then that way this, you know, [is] not left up to the Trump Justice Department?” Tapper asked.
“I mean, has that occurred to you?”
Honig acknowledged 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 potential fraud while Biden was president.
Homeland Security officers raided the Washington residence of the Somalia-born congresswoman on Monday. The reported investigation centers on whether the 44-year-old falsified her birthdate in 2000 to improperly claim citizenship.
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The agency initially opted not to move forward with the probe due to a lack of evidence, the Wall Street Journal reported.
‘So, I think that’s going to undermine any argument she may have down the line that this is politically selective and vindictive.’
Honig ended the appearance by adding: ‘then again, Donald Trump has given [Rep. Omar] plenty of ammo to argue that she’s being singled out for personal reasons.’
‘So, that’s a battle yet to come.’
Tapper offered a curt ‘thanks so much’ before cutting to commercial.
Omar’s home in Washington, DC, was raided on Monday.
The congresswoman, a US citizen originally from Somalia, has publicly framed the search as part of a political attack from the administration.
The congresswoman is running for reelection in Minnesota, where midterm voting has already begun.
