Politics
Researchers report sharp rise in anti-Muslim political rhetoric, The Guardian reports
The Guardian reports that researchers are tracking an intense surge in anti-Muslim rhetoric across US electoral politics.
The short version
- Researchers monitoring anti-Muslim sentiment report the most concentrated wave of Islamophobic rhetoric in US electoral politics since the 9/11 attacks.[The Guardian]
- Republican figures including Donald Trump and Tommy Tuberville targeted candidates such as Michigan primary winner Abdul El-Sayed with inflammatory rhetoric.[The Guardian]
- Surveys indicate public measures of anti-Muslim sentiment have risen, alongside state-level policy actions such as airport reviews in Texas.[The Guardian]
- Researchers note that not all political criticisms or controversies surrounding Muslim candidates qualify as bigotry.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Researchers tracking anti-Muslim sentiment describe the current rhetoric in US electoral politics as the most concentrated wave since the 9/11 attacks.[The Guardian]
- Donald Trump called Abdul El-Sayed a 'jihadist' from the Oval Office, while Senator Tommy Tuberville made inflammatory statements following El-Sayed's primary victory.[The Guardian]
- The ISPU Islamophobia Index increased from 25 in 2022 to 33 among the general public in 2025.[The Guardian]
- A Pew Research Center survey found that 51% of US adults say Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence.[The Guardian]
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered reviews of state grants to two major airports regarding privately funded wudu washing stations.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Researchers caution that distinguishing genuine bigotry from valid political controversy and legitimate criticism regarding Muslim candidates remains complex.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.