A recent study revealed a significant increase in anti-Muslim posts on Elon Musk’s platform X, coinciding with the declaration of war between the United States and Israel on February 28, 2025. The Washington, D.C.-based Center for the Study of Organized Hate (CSOH) tracked the volume of posts from January 1 to March 5, identifying a troubling spike in content that dehumanizes and incites violence against Muslims.
On the day the war commenced, the number of anti-Muslim posts surged from just under 2,000 to more than 6,000 daily. This dramatic increase highlights a concerning trend, particularly as CSOH focused exclusively on posts originating in the United States that targeted American Muslims. The report noted that the reach of this content was alarming, with reposts amplifying visibility and spreading harmful narratives beyond the original authors.
The total volume of anti-Muslim mentions rose to an astonishing 279,417, marking an eleven-fold amplification of initial posts. By March 5, the report indicated a decline in such posts; however, it cautioned that the underlying conditions driving this surge persist. The content analyzed ranged from personal opinions fueled by hate to explicit calls for lawmakers to enact policies targeting Muslims, such as a proposed “Muslim Exclusion Act” and deportation measures.
The study outlined that since the Trump administration took office in January 2025, hardline Republicans, including Congressman Randy Fine and Senator Tommy Tuberville, have increasingly vocalized calls to isolate and remove Muslims from American society. Language used in these posts, including terms like “rats,” “pests,” and “vermin,” is particularly concerning, as it has historically preceded extreme violence against marginalized communities.
Moreover, some posts described Muslims as an “infestation,” likening them to a contagion threatening American cities. Such rhetoric not only dehumanizes but also creates an environment where calls for violence are framed as acts of defense or national survival, thus cloaking genocidal language in a guise of patriotism.
As part of its analysis, CSOH reported 30 posts to X’s support team for violations of policies regarding “Violent Speech” and “Hate, Abuse or Harassment.” Of those reports, only 11 posts were removed, leaving 19 still accessible on the platform as of March 9. This disparity highlights an enforcement gap regarding anti-Muslim content on X, indicating a disconnect between the platform’s policies and their application.
Given the alarming volume of such posts, CSOH recommended that social media platforms implement “Trusted Flagger status” for Muslim civil rights organizations. This would establish dedicated channels for reporting incitement and threats, fostering a more proactive approach to curb hate speech. Additionally, civil society groups, law enforcement, and community leaders need to enhance their monitoring mechanisms to effectively engage with political leaders and promote informed responses to narratives that could lead to violence against Muslims.
The report urged elected officials to reconsider their rhetoric, pointing out that language linking military actions to religious or civilizational struggles only exacerbates domestic hostility towards minority communities. Despite the implications of such discourse, many lawmakers continue to uphold their positions, with the current administration and Republican-controlled Congress showing little interest in defending Muslim communities or supporting broader religious freedoms.
As the landscape of online discourse evolves, the findings from CSOH underscore the urgent need for accountability and responsible communication to prevent the escalation of anti-Muslim sentiment in the United States.
