Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity.news,
Florida Rep. Randy Fine is facing criticism from Democrats for his firm defense of American pet ownership in response to radical Islamic calls to ban dogs as “unclean.”
The controversy started when New York Muslim activist Nerdeen Kiswani stated, “Dogs definitely have a place in society, just not as indoor pets. Like we [Muslims have] said all along, they are unclean [“najis”].”
Kiswani later clarified her statement, emphasizing that it was meant as a joke and expressing concern only about irresponsible pet ownership.
In response, Fine made a clear statement: “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”
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
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 16, 2026
Several Democrats condemned Fine for his remarks, with Rep. Ro Khanna calling it “Disgusting bigotry” and demanding, “Fine must be censured.”
Khanna reiterated his stance, emphasizing that attributing the alleged comment to the entire Muslim community is a form of bigotry.
Rep. Dan Goldman labeled Fine’s comment as “Islamophobic” and harmful to efforts to combat antisemitism.
Rep. Eric Swalwell emphasized the positive contributions of the Muslim community to America and criticized Fine for promoting hate.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed her outrage, calling Fine’s statement one of the most appalling she has seen from an American official and advocating for his censure and removal from committees.
Fine’s opponent Jennifer Jenkins pledged to remove him from office, labeling him as a bigot.
Rep. Bob Menendez criticized Fine for prioritizing Islamophobia over addressing important issues.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom called for Fine’s resignation, condemning him as a racist.
Media personalities like CNN’s Jake Tapper and New York Times’ David French echoed the sentiment, denouncing Fine’s comments as reprehensible.
During a Newsmax appearance, Fine defended his position, highlighting the importance of upholding American values and resisting demands that conflict with those values.
A major Muslim leader in NYC is calling for dogs to be forbidden because they “bother some Muslims.”
If Mainstream Muslims make us choose between keeping our dogs and them going home, the choice is easy. pic.twitter.com/FvaLpYE0oB
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 17, 2026
Fine responded to calls for his censure from Democrats on social media.
An alleged comment? IT WAS IN WRITING, POSTED TO X, AND SEEN MILLIONS OF TIMES BEFORE I RESPONDED.
Perhaps you should have read it before you started spouting off like an idiot.
As for quoting the Torah, you’re forgiven as it is not your faith, but in that same chapter –… https://t.co/t9TvjLemFq pic.twitter.com/eH1HW8h4cR
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 17, 2026
Islam is not a race, moron. It is a religion.
One where some of its New York leadership is calling for the abolition of dogs.
Good luck bringing that to California. @HarmlessYardDog for the image. https://t.co/pmgq35Dqx5 pic.twitter.com/aiMdPtTgmn
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 16, 2026
At least I know where the equator is. https://t.co/n3bIIyenNF pic.twitter.com/O2Lm3420sq
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 17, 2026
I’d think your New York constituents would want to keep their dogs. https://t.co/Ke567lEbKe pic.twitter.com/sZyF8rRRwt
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 17, 2026
He also responded to criticism from media personalities like Piers Morgan.
Piers, what is disgusting is a major NYC Muslim leader saying we must give up our dogs because “NYC is coming to Islam”
We will not be shamed into being conquered like the Europeans.
I choose my dog.
I know my first appearance on your show didn’t go well for you, but if you… pic.twitter.com/RYXXa4bOJt
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 16, 2026
Your support is crucial in helping us defeat mass censorship. Please consider donating via Locals or check out our unique merch. Follow us on X @ModernityNews.
Loading recommendations…
sentence: Please remember to bring your ID with you to the event.