MAGA-aligned U.S. Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) wrote Monday on social media: “Muslims don’t belong in American society. Pluralism is a lie.” Several Democratic lawmakers including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) condemned Ogles’ post.
Beyer responded: “Andy Ogles seems unable to comprehend the basic values the United States was founded on – like religious freedom under the First Amendment. Muslim Americans are our neighbors, colleagues, and friends. They belong here, but this vile Islamophobia doesn’t belong in Congress.”
Some were surprised to see President Trump’s Special Presidential Envoy Richard Grenell also object to the Tennessee congressman’s post. Grenell wrote to Ogles: “Stop attacking the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.”
Several MAGA supporters asked if he was being sarcastic. One asked, “Did I just read this correctly?”
Stop attacking the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. https://t.co/HSzWA9iAXN
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) March 9, 2026
MAGA influencer Jaimee Michell, founder of “Gays Against Groomers,” asked Grenell: “Really dude? You’re a gay man and think Muslims belong here? Shameful.”
Yes. Yes, I do.
Just like not all gays are leftist radicals.
The 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is very clear – you get to practice any religion you want in America. No one approves your beliefs.
I’m not threatened in any way by someone saying their religion doesn’t… https://t.co/bwEeEo47TJ
— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) March 10, 2026
Grenell replied to Michell: “Yes. Yes, I do. Just like not all gays are leftist radicals. The 1st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is very clear – you get to practice any religion you want in America. No one approves your beliefs. I’m not threatened in any way by someone saying their religion doesn’t approve of me being gay. I don’t approve of lots of choices my friends make. Judge a person by the content of their character not their religion (or sexual orientation).”
Note: In January, when President Trump supported the citizen uprising in Iran and encouraged Iranian protestors to “keep protesting”, Grenell wrote on X: “I help sneak gays and lesbians out of Iran. And for the first time EVER, someone has said ‘I want to wait just a bit’. There is real hope coming from the inside. I don’t think you can stop this now.”