President-elect Donald Trump has expressed his full support for Florida State Senator Randy Fine, who has a history of making inflammatory anti-Muslim and pro-Israel remarks, encouraging him to run for a congressional seat in Florida.
Trump made the endorsement on social media, stating that Fine would have his “Complete and Total Endorsement” if he chooses to run for Congress. Fine, a legislator with a long track record of controversial statements, faced backlash earlier this year for celebrating the killing of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a US activist fatally shot by the Israeli military in the occupied West Bank. Fine had written on social media: “Throw rocks, get shot. One less #MuslimTerrorist. #FireAway.” Eygi was taking part in a peaceful protest at the time of her death, which both Israel and the Biden administration have dismissed as an accident.
This incident is just one example of Fine’s history of anti-Muslim and Islamophobic rhetoric. He has previously expressed views such as calling for violence against Palestinians and sharing offensive comments about Jews supporting Palestinian rights. In 2021, he responded to a comment about Palestinians being evicted from their homes with the words “#BlowThemUp.”
The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) has condemned Fine’s remarks and called for Florida lawmakers to censure him. CAIR’s deputy executive director, Edward Ahmed Mitchell, described Fine’s actions as a celebration of the murder of an American citizen and a dangerous alignment with far-right elements.
Despite these comments, Trump referred to Fine as an “America First Patriot” and encouraged him to run for the congressional seat currently held by Congressman Mike Waltz, who is leaving to serve as a national security adviser. Fine has yet to announce his candidacy, but he welcomed Trump’s endorsement, calling it an honor.
Trump’s endorsement of Fine further signals his alliance with far-right and pro-Israel forces, despite his earlier attempts to soften his rhetoric toward Arab and Muslim voters. Trump has long been known for his anti-Muslim remarks, including his infamous “Islam hates us” statement and the travel ban he imposed on several Muslim-majority countries during his presidency.
