US Lawmaker Fine Faces Backlash Over Anti-Muslim Remarks

Rights advocates and Democrats condemn Fine's comments comparing Muslims to dogs.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Republican U.S. Representative Randy Fine is facing widespread criticism from rights advocates and Democratic lawmakers over his recent anti-Muslim comments on social media. Fine said that "the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one," sparking outrage and calls for his resignation. Democrats have condemned Fine as an "Islamophobic, disgusting and unrepentant bigot," while rights groups have noted a rise in Islamophobia in the U.S. in recent years.

Why it matters

Fine's remarks are the latest in a series of controversial anti-Muslim statements he has made, which have previously led to him being designated as an anti-Muslim extremist. The backlash highlights ongoing concerns about the normalization of Islamophobia in American politics and the need to hold public officials accountable for divisive rhetoric.

The details

In a post on X on Sunday, Fine said: "If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one." The post had over 40 million views as of Tuesday afternoon. Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have condemned Fine's comments and called for him to resign. Jeffries described Fine as an "Islamophobic, disgusting and unrepentant bigot" and called on Republicans to hold him accountable.

  • Fine made the controversial comments on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Randy Fine

A Republican U.S. Representative from Florida who has a history of making anti-Muslim remarks.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic Governor of California who called for Fine to resign over his anti-Muslim comments.

Hakeem Jeffries

The Democratic House Minority Leader who condemned Fine as an "Islamophobic, disgusting and unrepentant bigot" and called on Republicans to hold him accountable.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Democratic U.S. Representative who said that "to ignore this is to accept and normalize it" in reference to Fine's remarks.

Council on American-Islamic Relations

A civil rights organization that designated Randy Fine as an anti-Muslim extremist last year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”

— Randy Fine, U.S. Representative (X)

“To ignore this is to accept and normalize it.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Representative (N/A)

“Islamophobic, disgusting and unrepentant bigot.”

— Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader (N/A)

What’s next

The House of Representatives is expected to consider censuring or taking other disciplinary action against Representative Fine for his remarks.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of combating Islamophobia in American politics and the need for elected officials to be held accountable for divisive rhetoric that targets minority communities.