GOP lawmaker says Muslims ‘don’t belong’ in U.S., sparking backlash from civil rights groups
TOI GLOBAL | Mar 10, 2026, 20:44 IST
‘Muslims don’t belong in American society’: Republican Rep. Ogles pushes ban on immigration from Muslim-majority nations
Rep. Andy Ogles drew backlash after posting that Muslims “don’t belong” in the U.S. Civil rights groups condemned the remark as Islamophobic, while critics pointed to a pattern of anti-Muslim rhetoric from some GOP lawmakers.Rep. Andy Ogles drew backlash after posting that Muslims “don’t belong” in the U.S. Civil rights groups condemned the remark as Islamophobic, while critics pointed to a pattern of anti-Muslim rhetoric from some GOP lawmakers.
Republican Congressman Andy Ogles is facing strong criticism after posting a message on social media saying Muslims “don’t belong in American society,” comments that civil rights groups and political leaders condemned as Islamophobic.
Ogles made the statement on X, formerly Twitter, after two men were charged in connection with an attempted bombing in New York City that authorities described as being inspired by ISIS. The suspects were accused of trying to ignite homemade explosives during a protest outside the home of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie,” Ogles wrote in the post, which quickly drew backlash online and from advocacy organizations.
The remarks came during the same week House Republicans gathered in Florida for their annual policy retreat, and at a time when tensions in the Middle East remain high due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The comments also coincided with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims around the world observe fasting and prayer.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), one of the largest Muslim civil rights groups in the United States, condemned the statement and called for stronger action against anti-Muslim rhetoric from elected officials.
CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said that similar remarks directed at other religious groups would likely lead to serious consequences, arguing that Muslim Americans are often subjected to double standards in political debate.
Ogles has made controversial remarks in the past. He previously suggested that Mayor Mamdani, who is the first Muslim mayor of New York City, should have his citizenship revoked and be deported. In earlier social media posts, the Tennessee lawmaker also said the United States should become a “Christian nation,” despite the Constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion and the separation of church and state.
Other Republican lawmakers have also faced criticism for anti-Muslim comments in recent years. Senator Tommy Tuberville previously claimed that Muslim immigrants were bringing conflict to the United States, remarks that were widely criticized by advocacy groups.
As of now, House Speaker Mike Johnson has not publicly responded to Ogles’ latest statement.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in U.S. politics over immigration, religion, and national security, issues that continue to play a major role ahead of the upcoming elections.
Ogles made the statement on X, formerly Twitter, after two men were charged in connection with an attempted bombing in New York City that authorities described as being inspired by ISIS. The suspects were accused of trying to ignite homemade explosives during a protest outside the home of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
“Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie,” Ogles wrote in the post, which quickly drew backlash online and from advocacy organizations.
The remarks came during the same week House Republicans gathered in Florida for their annual policy retreat, and at a time when tensions in the Middle East remain high due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The comments also coincided with the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims around the world observe fasting and prayer.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), one of the largest Muslim civil rights groups in the United States, condemned the statement and called for stronger action against anti-Muslim rhetoric from elected officials.
CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said that similar remarks directed at other religious groups would likely lead to serious consequences, arguing that Muslim Americans are often subjected to double standards in political debate.
Ogles has made controversial remarks in the past. He previously suggested that Mayor Mamdani, who is the first Muslim mayor of New York City, should have his citizenship revoked and be deported. In earlier social media posts, the Tennessee lawmaker also said the United States should become a “Christian nation,” despite the Constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion and the separation of church and state.
Other Republican lawmakers have also faced criticism for anti-Muslim comments in recent years. Senator Tommy Tuberville previously claimed that Muslim immigrants were bringing conflict to the United States, remarks that were widely criticized by advocacy groups.
As of now, House Speaker Mike Johnson has not publicly responded to Ogles’ latest statement.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in U.S. politics over immigration, religion, and national security, issues that continue to play a major role ahead of the upcoming elections.