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GOP Lawmaker Sparks Outrage with Anti-Muslim Comments
Rep. Andy Ogles faces backlash for claiming Muslims "don't belong" in the U.S.
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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Rep. Andy Ogles, a Republican lawmaker from Tennessee, has sparked outrage with his recent comments on social media claiming that "Muslims don't belong in American society" and that "pluralism is a lie." Ogles' remarks came on the same day that the Department of Justice indicted two men on federal charges of attempting to support ISIS, and as the Muslim community observes the holy month of Ramadan. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned Ogles' words, drawing comparisons to the condemnation that would follow if a politician said Jews don't belong in America.
Why it matters
Ogles' comments are seen as Islamophobic and dangerous rhetoric that could incite further discrimination and violence against the Muslim community in the U.S. The remarks also come amid a broader political climate of rising anti-Muslim sentiment and policies, which have faced criticism from civil rights groups and Muslim Americans.
The details
Ogles, a member of the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus, posted his comments on X (formerly Twitter) on March 9, the same day that two men were charged with attempting to support ISIS by planning a bombing in New York City. The accused were described as counter-protesters at a rally organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang, calling to "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City." Ogles has a history of making inflammatory statements about Muslims, including calling for the deportation of New York City's first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and referring to him as "little muhammad."
- On March 9, 2026, Ogles posted his comments on X.
- Also on March 9, 2026, the Department of Justice indicted two men on federal charges of attempting to support ISIS.
The players
Rep. Andy Ogles
A Republican lawmaker from Tennessee and member of the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus in the House of Representatives.
Jake Lang
A conservative influencer who organized the "Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City" rally.
Zohran Mamdani
The first Muslim mayor of New York City.
Edward Ahmed Mitchell
The National Deputy Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a group dedicated to the civil rights of Muslim Americans.
What they’re saying
“If any member of Congress had declared that 'Jews do not belong in America,' that politician would rightfully face condemnation, censure and even possibly expulsion.”
— Edward Ahmed Mitchell, National Deputy Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) (USA TODAY)
What’s next
The House Republican leadership has not yet responded to Ogles' comments, and it remains to be seen if he will face any consequences for his remarks.
The takeaway
Ogles' comments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the Muslim community in the U.S., as they continue to confront Islamophobia and discrimination from some elected officials. This incident underscores the need for greater understanding, tolerance, and protection of religious freedoms in the country.
