NEW YORK – The streets of New York City are at the center of a heated cultural clash following remarks made by activist Nerdeen Kiswani. Commenting on a viral video of NYC streets covered in waste following a snowstorm, Kiswani joked, “Finally, NYC is coming to Islam. Dogs definitely have a place in society, just not as indoor pets. Like we’ve said all along, they are unclean.”
While Kiswani later clarified the post was purely satirical, the remark was quickly weaponized by political opponents.
Misinformation and the “Advisor” Claim
Republican Congressman Randy Fine ignited the controversy further by incorrectly identifying Kiswani as a “key Mamdani advisor.” Fine used the platform to issue a blistering attack, stating, “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”
Despite being corrected on the fact that Kiswani holds no position in the Mamdani administration—and has historically even criticized the Mayor for not being “radical enough”—Fine doubled down. He claimed Americans would not be “shamed into being conquered” and challenged the Mayor to a debate.
Mayor Mamdani Caught in the Crossfire
Though Mayor Zohran Mamdani has made no statement regarding a ban on dogs or Kiswani’s posts, he has become the target of intense online backlash.
- The “Dog Ban” Myth: Viral posts have falsely claimed Mamdani is planning to outlaw pets, with one user remarking, “Nothing will turn liberal white women into Republicans faster than someone trying to take their dogs away.”
- Pet Culture Defense: Critics have flooded social media with lists of beloved American animals, warning the Mayor that “Americans will never apologize” for their love of pets.
Kiswani’s “Resignation” and Fine’s Fallout
In a sarcastic response to the confusion, Kiswani—who chairs the organization Within Our Lifetime (WOL)—posted a mock resignation from her “imaginary” government role:
“Effective immediately, I am resigning from the position many of you seem convinced I hold… I wish my successor the best in this critical role.”
Meanwhile, Congressman Fine is facing severe professional repercussions. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and several prominent Democrats have called for his immediate resignation, labeling his “dogs vs. Muslims” comparison as dangerous and bigoted.
The row has even attracted far-right figures like Laura Loomer, who pivoted the argument back to the city’s hygiene issues, claiming the waste on the streets was “human poop,” not animal waste. As of Wednesday morning, Mayor Mamdani remains silent on the controversy, which continues to trend across social media platforms.