Rep. Randy Fine Sparks Controversy Over Muslim Dog Comments

Democrats call for censure after Fine says 'choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one'

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Democratic politicians have accused Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) of racism and bigotry after he responded to a tweet from a New York-based Muslim advocate, Nerdeen Kiswani, who said house pet dogs will not be welcome in a non-secular, Islamic New York. Fine posted on social media: "If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one." This sparked outrage from Democrats, who have called for Fine to be censured and stripped of committee assignments.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between some Muslim advocates and traditional American values, such as pet ownership. It also demonstrates the deep partisan divides in how such comments are perceived, with Republicans more likely to defend Fine's remarks as a legitimate critique of Islamic views, while Democrats view them as Islamophobic and unacceptable from an elected official.

The details

Kiswani had tweeted that "Dogs definitely have a place in society, just not as indoor pets" because they are considered "unclean" or "najis" in Islam. Fine responded three days later, saying "If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one." This prompted strong condemnation from Democratic lawmakers like Ro Khanna, Dan Goldman, Eric Swalwell, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who called for Fine to be censured. Fine has stood by his comments, appearing on Newsmax to defend them.

  • On February 12, Nerdeen Kiswani tweeted that dogs would not be welcome as indoor pets in a non-secular, Islamic New York.
  • On February 15, Rep. Randy Fine responded on social media: "If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one."

The players

Rep. Randy Fine

A Republican Congressman from Florida who made controversial comments about choosing between dogs and Muslims.

Nerdeen Kiswani

A New York-based Muslim advocate who tweeted that dogs would not be welcome as indoor pets in a non-secular, Islamic New York.

Rep. Ro Khanna

A Democratic Congressman from California who accused Fine of "disgusting bigotry" and called for him to be censured.

Rep. Dan Goldman

A Democratic Congressman from New York who said Fine's "Islamophobic" comment is "incredibly damaging to Jews trying to combat antisemitism."

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic Congressman from California who wrote that "America is BETTER because of our Muslim community" and that Fine is an "asshole" who "spouts hate."

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What they’re saying

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

— Rep. Randy Fine (Breitbart)

“We must call this what it is. Disgusting bigotry. Fine must be censured.”

— Rep. Ro Khanna, Democratic Congressman from California (Breitbart)

“This is genuinely one of the most disgusting statements I have ever seen issued by an American official. Fine should be censured & stripped of committees.”

— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Democratic Congresswoman from New York (Breitbart)

What’s next

The House of Representatives is expected to consider a resolution to censure Rep. Randy Fine for his comments in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This controversy underscores the deep partisan divides in how comments about Islam and traditional American values are perceived, with Republicans more likely to defend Fine's remarks as a legitimate critique and Democrats viewing them as unacceptable Islamophobia from an elected official.