Florida Congressman's 'Dogs vs. Muslims' Post Ignites Bipartisan Firestorm
Representative Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida, has triggered immediate and widespread outrage across the political spectrum following a social media post that many are condemning as blatantly Islamophobic. On February 15, 2026, Fine wrote on X: "If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one."
Context and Immediate Backlash
Fine, who has a documented history of making bigoted and Islamophobic statements, claimed his post was a response to Palestinian American activist Nerdeen Kiswani. Kiswani had previously written online: "Dogs definitely have a place in society, just not as indoor pets. Like we've said all along, they are unclean." She later clarified to NBC News that her comment was intended as "satire" and part of a "hyperlocal NYC conversation" about dog waste management following a recent snowstorm.
However, Fine's remark was met with swift and fierce condemnation from both Democrats and some conservative voices. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat from New York, described it as "genuinely one of the most disgusting statements I have ever seen issued by an American official." She added, "It should not stop shocking us that the Republican Party openly embraces this. Fine should be censured & stripped of committees. To ignore this is to accept and normalize it."
Broad Condemnation Across the Political Divide
The backlash extended beyond partisan lines. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, fired back with: "Resign now, you racist slob." CNN anchor Jake Tapper denounced the comment as "disgusting bigotry," while conservative commentator Megyn Kelly expressed disbelief, posting simply: "WTF is this."
Other notable reactions included:
- Congressman Brendan Boyle: "Randy Fine is an ugly bigot. He should not be in Congress."
- Congressman Robert Garcia: "This is disgusting Islamophobia and dangerous bigotry from Rep. Fine. Speaker Johnson should strip him of all committees and assignments and he should be forced to resign."
- Activist Cameron Kasky: "Imagine if an American politician said this about Jews."
- Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari: "If anyone said something this vile in any workplace, they'd be fired. Randy Fine has repeatedly dehumanized Muslims without consequence."
Historical Pattern and Calls for Accountability
This incident is not isolated; Fine has a long record of inflammatory rhetoric targeting Muslims and other groups. Critics argue that his latest post represents a dangerous escalation in dehumanizing language. Many are calling for concrete consequences, including censure, removal from committee assignments, and even resignation.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions within American politics regarding hate speech and the responsibilities of elected officials. As the story develops, pressure mounts on Republican leadership to address Fine's conduct, with observers noting that such statements undermine public trust and fuel division.
