Overview
- Fine wrote on X that choosing between dogs and Muslims was "not a difficult" decision, prompting swift condemnation from lawmakers and civil-rights groups.
- California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged him to resign, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for censure and committee removal, and CAIR pressed congressional leaders to seek his resignation.
- The congressman doubled down by posting Gadsden-style dog images, declaring "I choose my dog," and claiming on Newsmax that Democrats want to "get rid of your dogs."
- Rep. Don Bacon registered disagreement as the lone GOP elected voice to weigh in, and Speaker Mike Johnson has not announced disciplinary action.
- Nerdeen Kiswani, whose satirical NYC dog post Fine cited, said her remark mocked alarmist narratives; reports note Fine’s prior anti-Muslim rhetoric and that he took office less than a year ago.