Republican Lawmakers Unleash Islamophobia Amid Iran Conflict

GOP rhetoric against Muslims escalates as U.S. engages in war with Iran

Mar. 13, 2026 at 7:48pm

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Several Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama and Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee, have made a series of Islamophobic remarks in recent months, comparing Muslims to the enemy and calling for them to be deported. This rhetoric represents a sharp break from the past, when Republicans condemned anti-Muslim rhetoric but now tacitly accept it, especially as the U.S. is engaged in a war with Iran.

Why it matters

The escalating Islamophobic rhetoric from Republican lawmakers raises concerns about the party's stance on religious tolerance and civil liberties, especially for Muslim Americans. It also highlights the political incentives for some Republicans to engage in such divisive language, even if it generates outrage from Democrats and civil rights groups.

The details

Sen. Tommy Tuberville has repeatedly made Islamophobic remarks, comparing the election of a Muslim mayor in New York City to the 9/11 attacks and claiming that "Islam is not a religion, it's a cult." Rep. Andy Ogles has also posted on social media that "Muslims don't belong in American society." These comments come as the U.S. is engaged in a war with Iran, which Republican leaders say will likely lead to more anti-Muslim rhetoric from the party.

  • In December 2025, Tuberville made comments about Islam after a deadly mass shooting in Australia.
  • In January 2026, Tuberville made similar remarks when a Muslim became the first lieutenant governor of Virginia.
  • In March 2026, Tuberville and Ogles made their latest Islamophobic statements.

The players

Sen. Tommy Tuberville

A Republican senator from Alabama who has a history of making Islamophobic remarks, including comparing the election of a Muslim mayor in New York City to the 9/11 attacks and claiming that "Islam is not a religion, it's a cult."

Rep. Andy Ogles

A Republican congressman from Tennessee who has posted on social media that "Muslims don't belong in American society" and called for a Muslim mayoral candidate in New York to be "denaturalized and deported."

Rep. Randy Fine

A Republican congressman from Florida who said "we need more Islamophobia, not less" and that "fear of Islam is rational" following an attack on a synagogue.

House Speaker Mike Johnson

The current Republican House Speaker who has responded to questions about Islamophobic rhetoric from his party members by saying there is "a lot of popular sentiment that the demand to impose Sharia Law in America is a serious problem."

Senate Majority Leader John Thune

The current Republican Senate Majority Leader who has not taken any steps to reprimand members of his party for their Islamophobic rhetoric.

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What they’re saying

“The enemy is inside the gates.”

— Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Republican Senator from Alabama

“To be clear, I didn't 'suggest' Islamists are the enemy. I said it plainly.”

— Sen. Tommy Tuberville, Republican Senator from Alabama

“Muslims don't belong in American society.”

— Rep. Andy Ogles, Republican Congressman from Tennessee

“We need more Islamophobia, not less.”

— Rep. Randy Fine, Republican Congressman from Florida

“There's a lot of energy in the country and a lot of popular sentiment that the demand to impose Sharia Law in America is a serious problem.”

— House Speaker Mike Johnson, Republican House Speaker

What’s next

Republican congressional leaders have not taken any disciplinary action against members of their party for the Islamophobic rhetoric, suggesting this type of divisive language will likely continue as the U.S. remains engaged in conflict with Iran.

The takeaway

The escalating Islamophobia from some Republican lawmakers represents a troubling shift in the party's stance on religious tolerance, raising concerns about the potential for further marginalization of Muslim Americans. This rhetoric also highlights the political incentives for some Republicans to engage in divisive language, even if it generates widespread condemnation.