A former campaign associate of Rep. Ilhan Omar, Guhaad Hashi Said, has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and money laundering charges in connection to a massive $2.9 million COVID-era food program scam. Said admitted to faking records to claim he was serving thousands of daily meals through a nonprofit, while using the funds for personal expenses, real estate, and luxury items. His organization, registered to a Minneapolis apartment, was part of the larger “Feeding Our Future” scandal involving over 50 defendants.

Federal prosecutors emphasized the staggering scale of the fraud in Minnesota and warned of its deep impact on programs meant to support vulnerable communities. Said’s sentencing could bring up to 25 years in prison. He previously ran for state office in 2018 and was described by Alpha News as an “enforcer” for Omar’s campaign, though she is not directly implicated in this case.

Rep. Omar continues to face criticism over past ethical issues and her public comments. In 2019, she was found to have misused state campaign funds, and in 2024, GOP Rep. Tom Emmer called for an ethics investigation following a controversial Somali-language speech. Omar denied the claims, releasing an alternate translation asserting she spoke of protecting Somalia’s sea access from foreign interference—not promoting Somalia over U.S. interests.

While Omar herself isn’t charged, the conviction of a former associate adds to political pressure and scrutiny surrounding her network. The overlap between legal troubles and ongoing criticism of her rhetoric and campaign finances keeps her in the spotlight, especially among political opponents eager to challenge her record and associations.