Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) delivered explosive remarks on Sharia law during a November 2025 Senate floor speech, declaring it America’s “greatest national security threat” alongside radical Islam and introducing the “No Sharia Act” to ban its practice when conflicting with the U.S. Constitution. He warned, “We’re at the crossroads… time for political correctness is over,” tying Sharia to extremism and vowing to “end it,” prompting gasps, cheers, and immediate backlash from Democrats and Muslim advocates. The speech, viewed millions online, amplified GOP pushes like Rep. Chip Roy’s “Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act” (H.R.5722), fueling #ShariaFreeAmerica debates.​​

Kennedy’s rhetoric echoed prior clashes: in 2024 hearings, he grilled Arab American Institute’s Maya Berry, repeatedly asking, “You support Hamas, don’t you?”—drawing condemnation for anti-Muslim bias amid hate crime discussions. Berry retorted it exemplified prejudice; CAIR slammed it as “disgraceful.” Now, 2025’s bill targets passports and loyalties, with Kennedy jabbing critics like Rep. Ilhan Omar: “Your passport says Somalia, your heart says Sharia—time to choose.”

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Bill Details and Security Rationale

The No Sharia Act criminalizes Sharia application overriding constitutional rights, building on Kennedy’s Iran critiques—urging snapback sanctions to “choke [the Ayatollah] economically.” Proponents cite terror financing, honor killings, and TPS fraud in Somali hubs like Minnesota, linking to al-Shabaab and gangs. Kennedy: “What you allow is what will continue.” Amid Trump’s deportations, it signals cultural enforcement.​​

Critics decry it as Islamophobic overreach: Arab News condemned Kennedy’s “hate speech”; progressives fear civil rights erosion. Omar allies call it xenophobic amid her threats.​

Political Backlash and Support

Democrats erupted: Senate Judiciary slammed past interrogations as divisive. Muslim groups warn of profiling; hearings gasped at Berry exchange. GOP rallies: Kennedy’s “straight talk” coaching style—40 years—defies PC, per fans.​​

Ties to Trump era: post-reelection, Sharia bans advance in states; federal push tests midterms.​

Broader Implications

Kennedy’s stand spotlights 2025 tensions: immigration, faith, security. Bills risk lawsuits but boost base amid polls showing 55% favoring extremism curbs. As hearings loom, debate rages—patriotism or prejudice?