Obama criticizes Trump over Ilhan Omar's alleged citizenship fraud probe that his administration started

President Donald Trump's administration filed a revised lawsuit on Thursday, aiming to block Alaska's Senate election results if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses narrowly. The Justice Department cited a New York Times report suggesting Democratic operatives recruited another candidate named Sullivan, potentially siphoning votes from Dan Sullivan and helping Democratic candidate Mary Peltola win.

The lawsuit raises concerns about a potentially contentious battle that could impact US Senate control in the upcoming midterm elections. Republicans currently hold a 53-47 majority, and Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control. The amended complaint alleges that the Democratic operatives orchestrated Sullivan's campaign to mislead Alaskan voters and secure Peltola's victory.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has called for a state investigation into the allegations, stating that any findings of illegality could affect the senator's seating in the US Senate. Peltola's campaign denied involvement with either Sullivan campaign. The Times reported that Peltola aides collaborated with Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee lawyers and staff to recruit two candidates, including Daniel J. Sullivan Jr., who could divert votes from the Republican incumbent.

However, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has denied any involvement and accused Republicans of supporting other candidates in various races. Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. has denied in interviews that his objective is to create confusion or divert votes. Trump has long questioned the fairness of US elections and pushed the Justice Department to pursue the Alaska case even before the Times report, seeking to pre-emptively prevent Alaska from certifying Peltola if she were to win the election.