The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called President Trump mocking the popularity of the name Muhammad and the broader obsession with American Muslims among far-right politicians “a sign of political desperation and deep insecurity” that will not stop American Muslims from continuing to proudly practice their faith and participate in public life.
At a rally in Dalton, Georgia, President Trump mocked the popularity of the name “Muhammad,” and said that guessing “Muhammad” for Middle Eastern names hits about a 65% success rate. Dozens of members of Congress have spent recent years demanding the closure of mosques and other Muslim institutions, calling for the expulsion and banning of Muslims, claiming that Muslims are on the verge of taking over America, and even threatening violence against American Muslims.
In a statement, Washington, D.C.-based CAIR said:
“This growing obsession with American Muslims exhibited by President Trump and other politicians is a sign of political desperation and deep insecurity. American Muslims make up a small percentage of our nation’s population, yet they have occupied nearly 100 percent of the attention of far too many hateful political leaders, lobbyists, and hate groups in recent years.
“Anti-Palestinian extremists want to use Islamophobia to silence American Muslims who oppose the waste of taxpayer dollars on endless wars and on Israel’s human rights abuses. Anti-Muslim extremists who hate America’s diversity want to stop American Muslims from playing an increasingly positive and prominent role in public life. Desperate politicians want to manufacture a Muslim boogeyman to distract Americans from real issues like rising inflation and a cost of living crisis.
“None of these group care if their cynical hatred inspires more violence against their fellow Americans, like the deadly attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego, the firebombing of mosques in Minnesota, and the stabbing of a six-year-old Palestinian Muslim child Wadea Al Fayoume outside of Chicago. We believe that both of these hateful groups are ultimately doomed to fail.
“President Trump can mock the name Muhammad all he wants, but it will not change the fact that the name Muhammad is mentioned with respect across our nation and will be mentioned with respect long after he leaves office and long after anti-Muslim hysteria joins anti-Catholic hysteria in the dustbin of history, God willing.
“Americans named Muhammad will continue to contribute to our nation as doctors, entrepreneurs, elected officials, and more. Americans of all backgrounds will continue to honor Muhammad Ali as one of the greatest athletes of all time. The Supreme Court will continue to identify Prophet Muhammad as one of history’s great lawgivers. And American Muslims will continue to proudly practice their faith, treat their neighbors well and advocate for causes of justice, all inspired by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him.”
CAIR’s latest civil rights report documented 8,683 anti-Muslim bias complaints in 2025 – the highest number ever recorded by the organization since it began publishing civil rights reports in 1996.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
Instagram |Facebook |Twitter |LinkedIn |TikTok |Website | YouTube
Do you like reading CAIR press releases and taking part in our action alerts? You can help contribute to CAIR’s work of defending civil rights and empowering American Muslims across the country by making a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly donor. Supporters like you make CAIR’s advocacy work possible and defeating Islamophobia an achievable goal. Click here todonate to CAIR.
You are receiving this email due to your interest selection from commercial media databases. If you would like to join CAIR’s media list, please sign up here:https://action.cair.com/a/newsletters — For more information, email: [email protected], CC [email protected]
END
CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]