Elham Asaad Buaras
Republican Congressman Andy Ogles has drawn widespread condemnation after stating that Muslims “don’t belong in American society.”
The Tennessee representative took to X (formerly Twitter) on March 9 to launch the scathing attack, following the arrest of two men in New York City accused of an ISIS-inspired bombing plot.
“Muslims don’t belong in American society,” Ogles wrote to his followers. “Pluralism is a lie.”
The timing of the post—falling on the first day of the House Republicans’ annual policy retreat and during the holy month of Ramadan—has drawn swift and “disgusted” condemnation from both sides of the aisle and civil rights groups.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) led the charge against the congressman, accusing him of peddling “dangerous rhetoric” that would never be tolerated if directed at any other religious group.
“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,” CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said.
Mitchell highlighted what he called a “double standard,” noting that while Muslim members of Congress have faced censure for criticizing Israel, “anti-Muslim extremists” like Ogles face “no consequences.”
Prominent commentator Mehdi Hasan also pointed out that such a statement would be a “career-ender” if it targeted the Jewish community.
“But Ogles can say this about Muslims without any censure,” Hasan noted.
Democratic lawmakers were quick to jump on the comments, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Democratic Whip Katherine Clark leading the criticism.
Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) accused Ogles of failing to grasp the fundamental principles of the country he serves.
“Andy Ogles seems unable to comprehend the basic values the United States was founded on – like religious freedom under the First Amendment,” Beyer wrote. “Muslim Americans are our neighbors… they belong here, but this vile Islamophobia doesn’t belong in Congress.”
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) echoed the sentiment, stating: “They are parents, entrepreneurs, police officers… They are us. They are American. This tweet is NOT American.”
Ogles has previously drawn criticism for a series of controversial remarks reflecting his hardline views. He has repeatedly targeted New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, at one point calling for the Muslim official to be stripped of his citizenship and deported. In June 2025, he also faced backlash after referring to Mamdani, then a mayoral candidate, as “little muhammad.” The Tennessee Republican has additionally argued that the United States should become a “Christian nation,” despite the country’s founding principles of religious freedom and the constitutional separation of church and state.
The firebrand’s comments were triggered by an alleged March 7 bombing attempt in NYC.
Authorities say two suspects attempted to detonate homemade devices near the home of Mayor Mamdani during a “Stop the Islamic Takeover of New York City” rally. The event was organized by conservative influencer Jake Lang.
While the investigation into “ISIS-inspired terrorism” continues, critics say Ogles is using the incident to smear an entire faith.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to comment on whether Ogles will face any disciplinary action for the posts.
Feature photo: Republican Congressman Andy Ogles, who has faced widespread condemnation after stating that Muslims “don’t belong in American society.” (Credit: Library of Congress/Wikimedia Commons)
