The Hearing That Should Have Never Happened

The views and beliefs expressed in this post and all Interfaith Alliance blogs are those held by the author of each respective piece. To learn more about the organizational views, policies and positions of Interfaith Alliance on any issues, please contact [email protected].

Earlier this month, the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts held an anti-Muslim hearing titled “Hidden in Plain Sight: Confronting the Muslim Brotherhood Network in America”. The hearing was attended by Senator Ted Cruz, three witnesses, and audience members. Not a single other member of the subcommittee was present. The empty seats on both sides of Senator Cruz spoke more truth than any member's presence could: this hearing should have never been rescheduled. 

The hearing was originally scheduled for May 20th, 2026. Senator Cruz postponed it in the wake of the horrific shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that claimed three innocent lives. The Senator out of Texas was so close to getting it right but missed the mark entirely. The postponement was a clear indication that this hearing was not scheduled in good faith, was not driven by any genuine threat assessment, and was just another instance of the Muslim community being scapegoated. If there were truly imminent threats, why did the majority postpone the hearing at all? The answer is that they know exactly what hearings like this are, political theater with real consequences.

The hearing carries serious consequences. The effect of hearings, public statements, proposed legislation, and executive orders that target Muslim communities is an environment that fosters and normalizes anti-Muslim hate, exclusion, and violence. 

Our elected officials carry the responsibility to protect a country built on the core value of religious freedom, where all people can safely express their beliefs. Interfaith Alliance is alarmed that instead, officials are using their power and public platform to spread falsehoods that have made an entire community vulnerable to violence and discrimination. View our statement here.

Interfaith Alliance is deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks on the Muslim community and called on our members to stand in solidarity with Muslim siblings across the country by urging committee members to boycott the hearing. We were not alone. Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) closely monitored the proceedings and spoke directly with senators about how anti-Muslim rhetoric and government action affect the safety and civil rights of Muslim communities. Read their full statement here.

Our action alert generated over 1500 messages to the Senate subcommittee. While that is a powerful symbol of solidarity, we know these attacks from our nation’s Capitol, from our state legislatures, and from our local communities will not stop without the collective voice of every religious community making it clear that anti-Muslim is not and will not be tolerated.

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