The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Georgia), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on Georgia’s elected officials and political leaders to publicly denounce President Donald Trump’s mockery of the name Muhammad at a campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia.
At the October 16 rally, Trump joked that guessing “Muhammad” when uncertain of someone’s name from the Middle East would be correct about 65% of the time. “I’ve done it for years now. I’ve never been wrong,” he told the crowd. The remarks followed Trump’s repeated misnaming of Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee in Michigan’s 2026 U.S. Senate election, and his use of inflammatory accusations against the candidate.
The president’s remarks come amid a broader pattern of anti-Muslim rhetoric in American politics, including calls by some members of Congress to close mosques and other Muslim institutions, proposals to exclude Muslims from the United States, claims that Muslims are seeking to take over the country, and rhetoric threatening violence against Muslim Americans.
CAIR-Georgia warned that such statements risk normalizing prejudice against Muslim communities and reflect a political climate fueled by fearmongering and insecurity. The chapter said such rhetoric reinforces harmful stereotypes about people based on their names, faith, or perceived heritage.
In a statement, CAIR-Georgia said:
“Muhammad is a name held with pride and affection by millions of people around the world, including countless American Muslims. The name carries deep religious significance and is associated with a tradition of profound reverence for the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It is not a source of shame and should never be weaponized for political ridicule.”
CAIR-Georgia affirmed that such rhetoric will not deter American Muslims from practicing their faith with pride, defending their civil rights, and contributing fully to the civic life of their communities.
The chapter called on Georgia’s leaders, regardless of party affiliation, to reject anti-Muslim bigotry and uphold the dignity, religious freedom, and equal rights of Muslim Georgians.
CAIR-Georgia reaffirms its commitment to protecting civil rights, combating Islamophobia, promoting understanding of Islam, and empowering American Muslims to participate fully and confidently in public life.
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CONTACT: Azka Mahmood, CAIR-Georgia Executive Director, [email protected], 678-653-5822