In a controversial move that has sparked widespread condemnation, Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) shared a social media post on Thursday that labeled Muslims as “the enemy,” intensifying concerns over the spread of Islamophobic rhetoric among some members of the GOP.

The post retweeted by Tuberville juxtaposed an image of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is Muslim, sitting cross-legged on the floor surrounded by people, against a haunting photo of the Twin Towers burning on September 11, 2001. The caption ominously noted, “Less than 25 years apart,” with Tuberville adding, “The enemy is inside the gates.”

A representative for Senator Tuberville directed inquiries to a separate social media post in which the senator defended his views, stating that labeling Islam a “cult” does not equate to Islamophobia. This statement came amid the formation of the Sharia-Free America Caucus by a group of congressional members, emphasizing a stark contrast between U.S. laws and religious rules.

Mayor Mamdani’s office responded to the controversy with a call for broader empathy and attention to pressing societal issues. “Let there be as much outrage from politicians in Washington when kids go hungry as there is when I break bread with New Yorkers,” Mamdani stated.

This incident is part of a disturbing trend of anti-Islam sentiments expressed by sitting members of Congress. Earlier instances include Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) stating that “Muslims don’t belong in America” and Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) facing Democratic calls for censure after unfavorably comparing Muslims to dogs. The Republican leadership, however, has remained notably silent on these issues.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) swiftly condemned Tuberville’s post, labeling it as “Islamophobic hate.” In a strong rebuke, Schumer highlighted the diverse contributions of Muslim Americans across all sectors of society. “Islamophobic hate like this is fundamentally un-American and we must confront and overcome it whenever it rears its ugly head,” Schumer asserted.

The lack of a public denouncement from GOP leaders such as Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate GOP leadership, including Majority Leader John Thune, has raised questions about the party's stance on such rhetoric and its implications for national unity and the safety of Muslim American communities.