Representative Randy Fine (R-Fla.) intensified his opposition to Islam in public statements this week, declaring that the United States should never adopt Sharia law and framing his remarks in harsh cultural and religious terms. Fine, who represents Florida’s 6th District and is a member of the newly formed Sharia-Free America Caucus, made the comments in response to social media posts discussing Islamic views on pets.
If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 15, 2026
Fine’s post, which read, “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one,” was a direct reply to a post highlighting remarks by Nerdeen Kiswani, a prominent Muslim activist in New York City, who wrote, “Finally, NYC is coming to Islam. Dogs definitely have a place in society, just not as indoor pets. Like we’ve said all along, they are unclean.” Fine contextualized the post by referencing a leader of a mainstream Muslim organization that supported Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
For context, this is the leader of one of the key mainstream Muslim groups that supported Mamdani. pic.twitter.com/zcIs4tVyly
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 15, 2026
Kiswani responded sharply to Fine’s post, calling it a “genocidal statement” and framing it as part of a larger pattern of Islamophobic attacks. “Thing is, no one is forcing you to choose. He’s just like the millions of other racists hounding me this past week, looking for a reason to be Islamophobic. Just replace Muslims with any other religion and ask if this is ok,” she wrote. In a follow-up comment, she added, “You know what, I’ll take back what I said if I get to dog walk Randy Fine, on the condition that he laps up all the dog shit all over NYC streets right now. I still believe all dogs go to heaven btw, but Randy Fine’s going to hell.”
Randy fine posted this genocidal statement about me. Thing is, no one is forcing you to choose. He’s just like the millions of other racists hounding me this past week, looking for a reason to be Islamophobic.
— Nerdeen Kiswani (@NerdeenKiswani) February 16, 2026
Just replace Muslims with any other religion and ask if this is ok. https://t.co/eYBTlmCR43
Earlier this month, Fine spoke at the first press conference of the Sharia-Free America Caucus in Washington, emphasizing his opposition to any influence of Sharia law in the United States.
Fine used the caucus platform to underscore his stance that the United States must remain free of Sharia law. “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,” he wrote in a social media post.
If you would like to live under Sharia law, you have 57 countries to choose from.
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 4, 2026
The United States will NEVER be the 58th.
If you do not agree with our ways, I will point you to the door. pic.twitter.com/Y2GQFB5e6e
The Sharia-Free America Caucus, launched by Representatives Chip Roy (R-Texas) and Keith Self (R-Texas), now includes dozens of Republican members. Its members have framed their efforts as a push to prevent Sharia law from influencing American society, amid broader national discussions about immigration, religious freedoms, and cultural integration. Fine’s statements, amplified by social media, and Kiswani’s responses highlight the deepening divide over Islam in American politics and the ongoing national debate over the intersection of religion, law, and cultural norms.
