In a nation founded on religious freedom, a disturbing wave of Islamophobia is sweeping across the United States in 2025, amplified by inflammatory political rhetoric and restrictive policies. The recent viral video of Texas Republican congressional candidate Valentina Gomez burning a copy of the Quran has ignited global outrage, symbolizing a broader assault on American Muslims’ safety and rights. As hate crimes reach record highs and new visa bans target Muslim-majority countries, many in the community feel increasingly isolated and threatened.
The Surge in Anti-Muslim Hate:
Islamophobia in the US isn’t a relic of the past; it’s escalating to unprecedented levels. According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)’s 2025 Civil Rights Report, titled “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” anti-Muslim discrimination complaints hit a record 8,658 in 2024—a 7.4% increase from the previous year. This spike, the highest ever recorded by CAIR, is largely attributed to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, which has stirred up anti-Muslim sentiment nationwide.
Key findings from the report include:
- Hate Crimes and Violence: A 453% rise in reported incidents, including the fatal stabbing of a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy in Illinois, charged as a hate crime. Other cases involve vandalism of mosques, physical assaults, and threats against Muslim students.
- Viewpoint Discrimination: Over 40% of complaints stem from suppression of pro-Palestinian voices, such as university crackdowns on protests and workplace firings for expressing solidarity with Gaza.
- Regional Hotspots: California led with the highest number of complaints, reflecting broader trends in urban areas where diverse communities clash amid heightened tensions.
This wave extends beyond physical threats, infiltrating education, employment, and immigration. For instance, a New York mayoral candidate faced Islamophobic backlash simply for her Muslim identity, highlighting how prejudice permeates politics. Advocacy groups like CAIR warn that without intervention, these trends could normalize violence, eroding civil liberties for millions.
Trump’s 2.0 Travel Ban:
Central to this resurgence is President Donald Trump’s second-term policies, particularly the June 2025 executive order restricting entry from 19 countries, many Muslim-majority. Dubbed “Muslim Ban 2.0” by critics, this ban expands on Trump’s 2017 restrictions, barring or limiting visas for nationals from nations like Afghanistan, Chad, Eritrea, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen—countries where Muslims predominate.
The policy cites national security and visa overstay rates, but experts argue it’s rooted in Islamophobia, disproportionately affecting Muslim immigrants and refugees. Unlike the original ban, which sparked massive protests, this iteration has met muted resistance, possibly due to fatigue or normalized rhetoric. Impacts include:
- Family Separations: Thousands of American Muslims are unable to reunite with relatives, exacerbating emotional and economic strain.
- Economic Costs: The American Immigration Council estimates billions in lost tourism, business, and talent from affected regions.
- Global Repercussions: It strains US relations with Muslim nations, potentially fueling extremism abroad while alienating domestic communities.
Has Trump 2.0 decreased or increased Islamophobia? Data points to a clear escalation. Pre-2025, Biden revoked the original ban in 2021, leading to a temporary dip in complaints. But since Trump’s return, incidents have surged, with CAIR linking the rise to pro-Israel policies and anti-Muslim tropes in his administration. Trump’s history—earning the moniker “Islamophobia President”—continues, with policies that racialize and “other” Muslims, fostering an environment where hate thrives.
The Valentina Gomez Incident:
In August 2025, Valentina Gomez, a “MAGA America First” candidate for Texas’s 31st congressional district, released a campaign video wielding a flamethrower to burn a Quran, declaring, “Your daughters will be raped and your sons beheaded, unless we stop Islam once and for all.” The video, which garnered 3.8 million views on X in a day, included claims that “America is a Christian nation” and calls for Muslims to “f*ck off” to other countries.
Reactions poured in:
- Condemnation: Podcaster Brian Allen called it “incitement,” warning it could spark mosque burnings. Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr denounced the act, criticizing Muslim silence.
- Calls for Action: X users demanded Gomez’s arrest, tagging Texas police, with some labeling her a “hate-fueled grifter.”
- Broader Backlash: Arab News described it as “hateful incitement and cheap publicity,” while CAIR reiterated demands for accountability.
Gomez, a Colombian immigrant and former Missouri candidate, has a history of provocative stunts, including anti-trans comments. This incident underscores how far-right figures exploit Islamophobia for votes, risking real-world violence against American Muslims.
American Muslims:
American Muslims, numbering over 3.5 million, are not passive victims—they’re actively resisting. Surveys and reports reveal widespread fear but also determination:
- Perceptions of Isolation: A 2025 Yaqeen Institute piece asks, “What Does Trump’s Second Term Mean for Muslims?” highlighting concerns over bans and rhetoric leading to “old-fashioned racism and contemporary Islamophobia.”
- Community Advocacy: CAIR and groups like the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) note increased mosque attendance and civic engagement, with some Muslims supporting Trump despite policies, linked to anti-LGBTQ views or economic factors.
- Resilience Strategies: Op-eds emphasize lessons in resisting oppression, from legal challenges to the travel ban to community solidarity amid Gaza-related backlash. Legislation like the Combating International Islamophobia Act, reintroduced in February 2025, aims to monitor global trends affecting US Muslims.
Many view Trump 2.0 as a painful regression, evoking post-9/11 scrutiny. Yet, there’s optimism in intergenerational activism, with young Muslims using social media to counter stereotypes.
From Civil Rights Erosion to Societal Division
This Islamophobic wave threatens not just Muslims but America’s democratic fabric. It erodes trust in institutions, boosts radicalization risks, and divides communities. Economically, it hampers innovation by excluding talent; socially, it parallels rising antisemitism, creating a toxic environment for all minorities.
Internationally, actions like Gomez’s video and the travel ban damage US credibility, alienating allies and emboldening extremists.
Islamophobia surges
As Islamophobia surges under Trump 2.0, from visa bans to Quran burnings, American Muslims face existential threats—but their resilience offers hope. Policymakers must dismantle discriminatory laws, while society rejects incitement. In a diverse nation, true security lies in inclusion, not exclusion. For the latest on Islamophobia in the US 2025, follow advocacy updates and demand accountability—because silence fuels the fire.
