Trending Now - Tennessee Republican Faces Backlash for Anti-muslim Remarks

WHO:

Tennessee GOP Representative Andy Ogles

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass.

Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Ariz.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.

Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla.

Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga.

Freedom Caucus

WHAT:

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., referred to Ogles as a "malignant clown and pathological liar" in response to his remarks.

Jeffries stated, "Disgusting Islamophobes like you do not belong in Congress or in civilized society. And that’s why House Democrats will defeat you in November."

California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office condemned Ogles' post, stating, "Disgusting comments. America was founded on the idea of religious freedom. Republicans must denounce this now!"

Ogles defended his remarks by referencing a shooting incident, stating, "A Muslim shot and killed three Americans in Texas. Two Muslims tried to blow up New York City...again."

Andy Ogles stated on social media, "Muslims don't belong in American society."

Ogles referred to pluralism as a "lie."

Ogles has previously called for a "Muslim ban."

Ogles plans to propose legislation to ban entry to the U.S. from certain Muslim-majority countries.

Rep. Randy Fine posted, "If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one."

Rep. Andrew Clyde pushed for immigration changes, stating, "No more Islamic immigration. Denaturalize, deport, repeat."

Congressional Democrats condemned Ogles' remarks and called for consequences for Fine.

WHERE:

United States

WHEN:

Jeffries made his comments on March 6th, 2026, the same day Ogles made his controversial post.

Ogles made his remarks on March 6th, 2026.

Fine's controversial post occurred in February 2026.

WHY:

Ogles' remarks are part of a pattern of Islamophobic comments from some House Republicans.

HOW:

Ogles made his statement on the social media platform X.

(UPDATED March 10, 2026 11:11 UTC)

Last Monday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sharply criticized Republican Representative Ogles, calling him a "malignant clown and pathological liar" in response to Ogles' controversial remarks. Jeffries also condemned Ogles' comments as Islamophobic, asserting that such views have no place in Congress or civilized society, and vowed that House Democrats would defeat him in the upcoming election. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office echoed this sentiment, urging Republicans to denounce Ogles' statements, which he defended by referencing a tragic shooting incident involving Muslims.

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(UPDATED March 10, 2026 05:20 UTC)

Tennessee GOP Representative Andy Ogles sparked controversy with his recent remarks on social media, stating that "Muslims don't belong in American society" and calling pluralism a "lie." His comments, made on March 6, are part of a troubling pattern of Islamophobic rhetoric among some House Republicans, with Rep. Randy Fine also making inflammatory statements regarding Muslims. Congressional Democrats have condemned these remarks and are calling for accountability for Fine and Ogles.