Republican Congressman Faces Backlash for Saying Muslims 'Don't Belong' in US

Rep. Andy Ogles' comments spark outrage from Democrats and some Republicans

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Representative Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican, faced widespread criticism after posting on X that Muslims 'don't belong in American society'. The remark comes amid heightened tensions over religious relations in the US, including an incident involving explosive devices found outside the home of a Muslim New York City mayor. Ogles has also introduced a bill that would 'ban' immigration from several predominantly Muslim countries.

Why it matters

Ogles' comments highlight the ongoing debate over religious pluralism and immigration in the US. They come at a time of increased scrutiny of anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions, including the recent incident targeting the New York City mayor. The controversy also raises questions about the role of elected officials in promoting tolerance and inclusivity.

The details

In his post on X, Ogles wrote: 'Muslims don't belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie.' The remark drew strong condemnation from Democrats and some Republicans, who accused Ogles of promoting hate and bigotry. Ogles has also introduced a bill called the 'Halt Immigration from Countries with Inadequate Verification Capabilities Act', which would prohibit immigration from several predominantly Muslim countries.

  • On Monday, March 9, 2026, Rep. Andy Ogles posted his controversial comments on X.

The players

Rep. Andy Ogles

A Republican congressman from Tennessee who made the controversial comments about Muslims not belonging in American society.

Rep. Eric Swalwell

A Democratic congressman from California who condemned Ogles' remarks, stating that Muslims are 'parents, entrepreneurs, police officers' and are 'American'.

Nina Turner

A progressive activist who described Ogles' tweet as 'disgusting'.

Abdul El-Sayed

A Democratic candidate for the Michigan Senate race who responded that 'racists don't belong in American society'.

Rep. Judy Chu

A Democratic congresswoman from California who said that 'racism and hate don't belong in American society'.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know how many Muslims are in this guy's district. I know there are tens of thousands in mine. They are parents. Entrepreneurs. Police officers. The firefighter-paramedic giving CPR to save your life. They are us. They are American. This tweet is NOT American.”

— Rep. Eric Swalwell, Democratic Congressman from California (Twitter)

“Racism and hate don't belong in American society, and this bigotry from an elected official is abhorrent.”

— Rep. Judy Chu, Democratic Congresswoman from California (Twitter)

“The founders put freedom of religion in the FIRST Amendment for a reason. Muslims have lived in America since the 1600s. E Pluribus Unum, an ode to our pluralism, has been our country's traditional motto since 1782. Maybe it's YOUR values that don't belong in American society.”

— Rep. Shri Thanedar, Democratic Congressman from Michigan (Twitter)

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether Ogles' bill to restrict immigration from predominantly Muslim countries will gain enough support to pass the House and Senate. The controversy is likely to continue as the debate over religious pluralism and immigration policies in the US persists.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions over the role of religious minorities in American society and the responsibility of elected officials to promote tolerance and inclusivity. It underscores the need for continued dialogue and understanding to address divisive rhetoric and ensure the principles of religious freedom and pluralism are upheld.