Wisconsin’s Van Orden faces backlash over anti-Muslim record
Muslim leaders in state say congressman's repeated amplifying of unverified claims about Muslims feeds climate of fear as he heads into tight race
WASHINGTON (MNTV) — Republican Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin is under renewed criticism over a long record of statements and social media activity that Muslim leaders and civil rights advocates call Islamophobic and corrosive to the communities he is supposed to represent.
A review of Van Orden’s public comments and online activity found repeated instances of him amplifying unverified claims about Muslims, immigrants, and minorities, and boosting posts that tie Islam to violence and extremism.
The pattern extends to his comments on immigration and naturalized citizens — a consistent thread of exclusionary messaging rather than isolated missteps.
Muslim leaders in Wisconsin have condemned it.
Bramouse Muhammad, an Islamic leader in Milwaukee, said Van Orden’s rhetoric tracks a broader rise in anti-Muslim sentiment and leaves minority communities feeling targeted.
The objection is not that national security or immigration are off-limits as topics; it is that collective blame and religious stereotype are not policy arguments, and an elected official trading in them lends the office’s weight to prejudice.
The criticism arrives as Van Orden prepares for a competitive reelection in Wisconsin’s 3rd District, a seat the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee sees as a possible pickup given his standing with independents.
His record on race, religion, and immigration is set to stay central as voters weigh who represents the district.
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