Anti-Muslim rhetoric in Congress is out of control

“Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie.”

If you thought these anti-Muslim words sounded like something from an obsolete religious extremist group decades ago, you’d be wrong. This message was posted online just weeks ago – by a sitting member of Congress. And if you’re shocked that an elected official would publicly declare that millions of Americans don’t belong in their own country, you’re not alone.

As Americans United has covered in the past, anti-Muslim rhetoric has been steadily growing under the Trump administration. As certain Christian Nationalists (emboldened by the president) grow more vocal and confident in their messaging, some high‑profile lawmakers are embracing language that most Americans would deem unacceptable. 

Rep. Ogles’ anti-Muslim rhetoric

No one represents this alarming trend better than Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), the Congressman who authored the message above and has a history of posting inflammatory Christian Nationalist content on social media. Recently, he posted an AI video of himself dressed as a crusader knight, raising a sword as if before battle, that he captioned: “We must stand and reaffirm that this is a Christian Nation ✝️ This is a battle of good vs evil.”

Comments like these can have dangerous ripple effects. When national political leaders demean an entire religious community, it can lead to increased bullying in schools, targeted religious discrimination, and harassment of that community. We saw this clear as day after the 9/11 attacks when Sikhs and Muslims faced a shocking rise in hate crimes, workplace discrimination, and racial profiling, especially at airports.

Anti-Muslim rhetoric also encourages bogus legislation and government exclusion of Muslims, as we saw years ago with Trump’s Muslim Ban and as we’re seeing again now with the recent surge in anti-Sharia bills and Texas’ and Florida’s exclusion of Muslim schools from their private school voucher programs. These are real consequences that harm real families and sow division in America. 

Rep. Fine, Sen. Tuberville also express anti-Muslim animus

Unfortunately, Ogles is not alone in his hateful sentiments. Recent comments from other members of Congress like Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) are just the latest examples of Christian Nationalism and anti-Muslim hate in Congress. What makes this moment even more troubling is the sheer lack of accountability. There was a time when such behavior had real consequences. 

In 2019, after defending white supremacy and white nationalism during a media interview, Iowa congressman Steve King faced swift, bipartisan condemnation for his hateful remarks. Republican leadership called his comments “unwelcome and unworthy of his elected position.” He was stripped of all his committee assignments – by his own party. A prominent GOP fund rescinded its support for King in the following election cycle, during which he lost his seat in Congress. This sent a clear message to other members of Congress and to the American people: openly embracing extremist, hateful ideology is incompatible with American values and public service. 

Speaker Johnson won’t condemn anti-Muslim rhetoric

In our current moment, Christian Nationalism threatens to poison the halls of Congress if we allow our representatives to speak this way with impunity. Several senators and representatives did express their disdain for such rhetoric, but not all. Instead of condemning Ogles’ statements and countering his warped narrative, House Speaker (and Trump ally) Mike Johnson (R-La.) said that his words “reflected popular sentiment.” This is a blatant lie that divides our country rather than unifying it. 

Anti-Muslim rhetoric is no longer coming from just a few fringe extremists in American politics. It’s now coming from the floor of Congress. It’s being amplified by national leaders. And it’s being treated as a proud expression of patriotism rather than the attack on religious freedom that it truly is.

If we wish to live in a country where people of all religions – and none – can live freely and equally, we must call out this rhetoric for what it is: Dangerous and un-American religious extremism. We must also hold our elected leaders accountable when they fail to condemn such extremism. 

Let us be clear. We disagree wholeheartedly with Ogles; Americans of all faiths, including Muslims, are welcome in American society. Christian Nationalism is not. 

Photo: House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), right, talks with Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Ariz.) in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 3, 2025. Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images