Ethics watchdog files complaint about Ilhan Omar’s use of TikTok
Brady Knox
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A watchdog filed an ethics complaint over Rep. Ilhan Omar’s (D-MN) use of TikTok.
The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics on Wednesday regarding Omar’s alleged misuse of TikTok. The complaint argued that the Minnesota Democrat violated congressional rules regarding social media on several occasions.
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“Despite warnings that TikTok data could be shared with the Chinese government and the U.S. House of Representatives banning the app from official devices, Rep. Omar has continued to use the same TikTok account for both official House and political purposes — a clear violation of House Ethics rules,” a press release from the group said.
The complaint provided several specific examples of what it views as ethics violations.
On TikTok, Omar “has posted overtly political content, including a video of her urging viewers to support Democrat candidates, a message to Democrats volunteering for campaigns, and several videos of her campaigning and attending campaign events,” the watchdog said. “Along with this political content, she has also made posts that used official government resources, including C-Span footage from the House floor, what appears to be a cell phone video recorded on the House floor, and an interview from what appears to be her House office.”
Citing the federal law and House ethics rules, the group argued that Omar improperly blended official and campaign acts, which is forbidden.
The complaint also attacks Omar from the angle of national security, arguing that her use of the Chinese-owned app presents a threat to national security.
“These violations are disturbing and clearly not how members are supposed to be using official resources,” FACT Executive Director Kendra Arnold said. “The law is abundantly clear, and her account and the content posted speak for themselves. These rules are to protect the time, resources, and integrity of official proceedings for those in elected office.”
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The complaint comes amid Omar’s public defense of TikTok, taking to the House floor to argue against attempts to ban the app, saying that the public’s use of the app is an example of freedom and democracy.
“The American model rests on our protection of those freedoms — the ability to speak publicly against the government or, if you choose, to share a 10-second video cooking your favorite meal,” she said. “That is the beauty of our democracy and our Constitution. That is what sets us apart from authoritarian regimes like China. And that is the example we should set for the world.”