Giuliani Criticizes Media's Terrorism Coverage, Links Attacks to Islamist Ideology

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Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani criticized media coverage of recent terror attacks during an interview, accusing major outlets of downplaying incidents tied to radical Islamist ideology while deflecting responsibility onto U.S. foreign policy. Giuliani compared the frequency of the attacks to the violence of the mafia, and argued that discussions about terrorism often avoid examining religious motivations.

Why it matters

Giuliani's comments highlight a tension between acknowledging the potential role of ideology in motivating attacks and avoiding generalizations that could fuel discrimination or prejudice. The discussion also touches on the complex interplay between national security concerns, immigration policy, and political debates.

The details

In the interview with Ed Henry, Giuliani criticized how major media outlets frame terrorism and the motivations behind attacks. He compared the incidents to organized crime violence to illustrate their frequency, stating "This would be as if the mafia carried out three mass murders in five days, or attempted to, yeah, and, and it's as if, as it's as if it didn't happen. Afraid to say anything about it." Giuliani argued that discussions about terrorism often avoid examining religious motivations, stating "The religion they are talking about has for 1400 years been unlike what President Bush said, not a religion of peace, but a religion of war." He contrasted the spread of Islam with the historical spread of other religions, noting that unlike Judaism and Catholicism, Islam "spread by terroristic warfare."

• The interview with Ed Henry took place on March 15, 2026.

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