MPAC Joins and Welcomes Boycott of Senate Hearing That Promotes Anti-Muslim Fearmongering and Targets American Muslim Communities
Washington, D.C. | mpac.org | August 5, 2026—Today, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts is holding a hearing titled, "Hidden in Plain Sight: Confronting the Muslim Brotherhood Network in America." MPAC is closely monitoring today's proceedings given the impact that government rhetoric can have on the safety, civil rights, and constitutional freedoms of American Muslim communities. We commend Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Richard Blumenthal, Mazie Hirono, Alex Padilla, and Peter Welch for calling out the true nature of this hearing, which they described as a "political creepshow" that scapegoats Muslims for political gain. We also thank these senators for engaging directly with MPAC to better understand how anti-Muslim rhetoric and government actions affect the safety and well-being of American Muslim communities.
In today's increasingly polarized political environment, MPAC continues to engage policymakers across the political spectrum to help ensure the safety and security of American Muslims. Anti-Muslim rhetoric has become increasingly normalized in our public discourse. In recent weeks, several members of Congress have openly promoted Islamophobic narratives, declaring that "we need more Islamophobia," asserting that Muslims "don't belong in American society," calling for an end to Muslim immigration, and portraying American Muslim public officials as threats to the nation. This rhetoric is not isolated; it reflects a broader effort to stigmatize American Muslims and cast suspicion on our institutions.The consequences are measurable. MPAC has documented an 11-fold increase in threats and attacks targeting American Muslims and their institutions, including the first mass shooting at a mosque in American history at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Through its Center for Security Technology and Policy (CSTP), MPAC monitors anti-Muslim incidents, extremist rhetoric, and emerging threats nationwide, providing data-driven analysis to help policymakers and community leaders respond to the growing climate of hate.Hearings such as today's do not strengthen America's national security. Instead, they elevate long-discredited conspiracy theories, stigmatize an entire faith community, and divert attention from the real challenges facing our nation.
MPAC remains committed to advancing policies that protect both our nation's security and the constitutional rights of all people. We call on elected officials to reject fearmongering and political scapegoating and instead focus on the issues that matter most to the American people: strengthening our economy, improving healthcare and education, protecting civil liberties, and ensuring the safety and security of every community.
Breaking Down the Hearing
What is happening?
The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action and Federal Rights is scheduled to hold a hearing titled: Hidden in Plain Sight: Confronting the Muslim Brotherhood Network in America.
The hearing is expected to examine the Muslim Brotherhood and may include discussion of whether the federal government should expand investigations or other actions involving individuals and organizations in the United States.
This hearing comes alongside broader legislative and executive efforts focused on the Muslim Brotherhood, including proposed legislation and recent sanctions targeting certain foreign branches.
Why does this matter?
Congressional hearings can shape public opinion, influence future legislation, and encourage executive agencies to take additional action. According to public statements from lawmakers and hearing materials, the hearing may encourage greater scrutiny of American Muslim organizations by examining alleged historical or ideological connections rather than focusing solely on unlawful conduct.
Regardless of one's views on the Muslim Brotherhood, it is important that government actions involving American organizations remain grounded in evidence, due process, and constitutional protections.
What are the First Amendment concerns?
The First Amendment protects every American's right to:
Practice their religion freely.
Speak and advocate on public issues.
Associate with organizations of their choosing.
Petition the government for change.
These protections apply equally to Muslims and Muslim-led organizations. If organizations or individuals are treated differently because of their religious identity, lawful advocacy, or perceived associations rather than their own conduct, it raises important constitutional questions.
