Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles Draws Outrage Over Islamophobic Posts
Rep. Andy Ogles wrote 'Muslims don't belong in American society,' prompting Democratic condemnations and limited GOP response amid a recent New York City terror investigation.
NBC NewsGOP Rep. Andy Ogles sparks backlash after saying Muslims 'don't belong' in America
TownhallRep. Andy Ogles Is Angering All of the Right People
NPRTennessee GOP Rep says Muslims 'don't belong in American society'
Joe.My.God.GOP Rep: "Muslims Don't Belong In American Society" - Joe.My.God.
Daily BeastHouse Republican’s Vile Racist Post Triggers Instant Backlash
Overview
Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee posted on X on March 9, 2026, writing "Muslims don't belong in American society" and "Pluralism is a lie."
His post followed an attempted terrorist attack in New York City that federal prosecutors said involved two suspects aligned with ISIS.
Democrats swiftly condemned Ogles, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling him a "malignant clown" and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark saying "This disgusting s--- doesn't belong in American society."
Ogles has proposed legislation to bar entry from several countries, including Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen, and the Pew Research Center estimates roughly 3.5 million Muslims live in the U.S., about 1% of the population.
A representative for Ogles and the office of House Speaker Mike Johnson did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and some Republicans publicly criticized him while GOP leadership largely remained silent.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as part of a pattern of Islamophobia within hard-right Republicans, using loaded labels (e.g., "Islamophobic remarks"), prioritizing Democratic condemnations, highlighting GOP silence and prior incidents, and structuring the piece to emphasize calls for accountability. Quoted statements are presented as source content, not editorial attribution.
FAQ
Rep. Ogles introduced the Halt Immigration from Countries with Inadequate Verification Capabilities Act, which would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to refuse admission to immigrants from Muslim-majority countries including Iran, Libya, and Syria, as well as North Korea, Venezuela, and Yemen. The bill makes exceptions for U.S. citizens and is unlikely to become law, though it has garnered support from Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.).
Democrats swiftly condemned Ogles' posts, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries calling him a "malignant clown" and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark characterizing his remarks as "disgusting" and stating they don't belong in American society.
Republican leadership largely remained silent on Ogles' posts. Spokespeople for Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Majority Whip Tom Emmer did not immediately respond to requests for comment, though some rank-and-file Republicans publicly criticized him.
No, this is not his first bigoted social media post. Ogles has previously stated that "America and Islam are incompatible" and has a pattern of making Islamophobic remarks on social media.
According to the Pew Research Center, roughly 3.5 million Muslims live in the United States, representing approximately 1% of the total population.