Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) sparked immediate outrage across the political spectrum after posting on X: “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”

Fine, who has a long history of making bigoted, Islamophobic comments, said he was responding to Palestinian American activist Nerdeen Kiswani, who had written online: “Dogs definitely have a place in society, just not as indoor pets. Like we’ve said all along, they are unclean.” Kiswani later told NBC News her comment was “satire” and part of a “hyperlocal NYC conversation” about dog waste following a recent snowstorm.

If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.

But Fine’s remark ignited swift and fierce backlash.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said it was “genuinely one of the most disgusting statements I have ever seen issued by an American official,” adding that “it should not stop shocking us that the Republican Party openly embraces this.”

“Fine should be censured & stripped of committees. To ignore this is to accept and normalize it,” the New York Democrat added.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) fired back at Fine: “Resign now, you racist slob.”

CNN’s Jake Tapper denounced the comment as “disgusting bigotry.”

Even conservative commentator Megyn Kelly expressed disbelief, posting: “WTF is this.”

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.