Rising Anti-Muslim Rhetoric in U.S. Politics

In Waterford, Michigan, during a town hall event on September 3, 2026, support for Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed was notable. However, following his primary win, anti-Muslim rhetoric increased sharply, mirroring the situation after New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s victory the previous year.

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Senator Tommy Tuberville wasted no time, labeling El-Sayed a “terrorist” immediately after his nomination. Tuberville, an Alabama Republican, called him a “RADICAL ISLAMIST,” suggesting he would attempt to undermine the U.S. This statement aligned with a pattern of anti-Muslim sentiment spreading in the political right over the past two years.

According to Nazita Lajevardi, a political science professor at the University of Michigan, this type of rhetoric has become commonplace, losing its shocking impact since the 2016 presidential campaign.

Across the nation, political ads have adopted themes against “Radical Islam” and “Sharia law.” These narratives claim an Islamic influence taking hold in America, though Muslims make up just over 1% of the U.S. population.

The Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) highlighted the increase in anti-Muslim sentiment. Executive Director Raqib Naik noted that between February 2025 and March 2026, 46 GOP officials made over 1,100 posts targeting Muslim Americans. Social media has compounded this issue, amplifying fear-mongering for clicks, likes, and shares, translating into influence and revenue.

The rhetoric has evolved from viewing Muslims as a security risk to considering them a “civilizational threat,” as evidenced by Rep. Nancy Mace’s controversial statements.

Around Texas’s East Plano Islamic Center, political narratives about an “Islamic invasion” continue to fuel tensions. Anti-Muslim narratives have been linked to dangerous conspiracy theories, including the “great replacement” theory, used to justify attacks in cities like San Diego and El Paso.

Some Republican figures have correlated Islamification with socialism and communism, using these narratives as political tools. Although engaging these themes can mobilize certain bases, experts warn of their harmful impacts on Muslim communities.

In comparison, former President George W. Bush set a different tone post-9/11, advocating against scapegoating Muslims, an approach many believe saved lives.

Lajevardi noted that though such rhetoric may energize some GOP voters, it could alienate others, including potential supporters from Muslim and Arab American communities, damaging broader Republican electoral prospects.

Republican consultant Vinny Minchillo acknowledged the potential downside of broad anti-Muslim messaging, recognizing that while it might engage some voters, economic concerns remain a predominant focus.