Representative Rob Menendez sharply criticized Representative Randy Fine, condemning the Florida Republican for what he described as Islamophobic and incendiary remarks. Menendez’s comments came in response to a social media post by Fine, in which the lawmaker wrote, “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.” Menendez framed Fine’s post as part of a broader pattern of hateful rhetoric, challenging political leaders to speak out against it.
This is what it looks like when Islamophobia and outrage are the only two items on your political agenda. @SpeakerJohnson, a member of your conference is consistently making hateful, dangerous statements. As a Christian, are you not obligated to love all your neighbors and… https://t.co/j8thwlSw3d
— Rep. Rob Menendez (@RepMenendez) February 16, 2026
“This is what it looks like when Islamophobia and outrage are the only two items on your political agenda,” Menendez wrote in a post directed at Speaker Mike Johnson. “A member of your conference is consistently making hateful, dangerous statements. As a Christian, are you not obligated to love all your neighbors and speak out against this hateful rhetoric? Or will you continue to remain silent?”
Fine, who represents Florida’s 6th Congressional District, has intensified his opposition to Islamic law and cultural influence in recent weeks. As a member of the newly formed Sharia-Free America Caucus, Fine has positioned himself as a vocal critic of Sharia law in the United States. Earlier this month, he stated, “If you would like to live under Sharia law, you have 57 countries to choose from. The United States will NEVER be the 58th. If you do not agree with our ways, I will point you to the door.”
The remarks that prompted Menendez’s response were made in the context of a social media discussion about Islamic perspectives on pets. Fine’s post was a reply to a Muslim activist in New York City, who had commented that dogs are considered unclean in some Islamic contexts. Fine’s framing of the post drew immediate backlash, with Kiswani calling it a “genocidal statement” and part of a larger pattern of Islamophobic attacks.
Menendez, who has built a reputation on advocating for civil rights and interfaith understanding, positioned his response as a call for accountability and moral responsibility. By directing his criticism to Johnson, Menendez also highlighted the ongoing tension within Congress over how members address or ignore inflammatory rhetoric by colleagues.
The controversy reflects the broader national debate over religion, law, and cultural integration. The Sharia-Free America Caucus, which includes dozens of Republican members, has become a platform for legislators like Fine to campaign against any perceived influence of Sharia law in U.S. governance. Menendez’s statement underscores the political and ethical stakes in these debates, drawing attention to the responsibility of lawmakers to address discriminatory speech and maintain respectful discourse in public life.
