House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries sharply condemned Rep. Randy Fine after Fine replied to activist Nerdeen Kiswani by saying the "choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one." Fine doubled down during a Newsmax appearance, prompting broad criticism. Jeffries called out Speaker Mike Johnson and other House Republicans for their silence and vowed that Democrats would hold Fine accountable if they retake the House in November. The exchange has renewed concerns about rising anti-Muslim rhetoric and potential real-world consequences.
Hakeem Jeffries Slams Rep. Randy Fine as 'Disgusting and Unrepentant Bigot' After Islamophobic Comment
Hakeem Jeffries
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) issued a forceful public statement condemning Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) after Fine posted an Islamophobic reply on social media.
On Sunday, Fine responded to a tweet by Palestinian-American activist Nerdeen Kiswani — who had written that dogs were "unclean" and should not be kept as "indoor pets" — by saying, "If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one." The remark drew swift condemnation from figures across the political spectrum.
Rather than retracting his comment, Fine doubled down on the following day during an appearance on Newsmax, reinforcing concerns about his rhetoric.
Jeffries' Rebuke and Calls for Accountability
On Tuesday, Jeffries released a scathing rebuke of Fine's language and urged Republican leaders to act. In the statement, Jeffries wrote that Fine is "a disgrace to the United States Congress" and called him "an Islamophobic, disgusting and unrepentant bigot."
Randy Fine is a disgrace to the United States Congress. He is an Islamophobic, disgusting and unrepentant bigot.
Jeffries also criticized Speaker Mike Johnson and other House Republicans for remaining "silent" on the episode, saying their inaction "enables this out-of-control behavior." He warned that political violence, xenophobia and hate crimes targeting the Muslim community are on the rise and pledged that House Democrats would hold Fine accountable if they regain control of the House after the midterm elections — "when the gavels change hands in November, if not sooner."
Broader Context
The incident has re-ignited debate over inflammatory rhetoric by members of Congress and the responsibilities of party leaders to respond to hate speech. Advocates for Muslim communities and civil-rights organizations have expressed alarm at the escalation of hostile language and its potential real-world consequences.
The episode remains a focal point for discussions about congressional standards, accountability, and the limits of acceptable public discourse from elected officials.
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