Texas Conservative Group Sparks Outrage with Anti-Muslim Email Ahead of 9/11 Anniversary, Continuing Trend of Divisive Rhetoric
In the days leading up to the 24th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, a prominent conservative group in Texas, True Texas Project, sent an email to its supporters that disparages elected officials of Middle Eastern descent. The message, which questioned the political representation of individuals from the Middle East and invoked the solemnity of the 9/11 anniversary, has drawn immediate criticism and is the latest in a series of increasingly vocal anti-Muslim sentiments emanating from Texas Republican circles. This development places the state at the center of a trending national conversation regarding religious tolerance and political discourse, particularly as a significant anniversary approaches.
The True Texas Project Email and its Timing
Sent on Monday, September 8, 2025, the email from True Texas Project stated that it “boggles” the sender’s mind “how quickly we went from our vow to ‘never forget’ to now having multiple elected positions filled by Middle Easterners.” The message further characterized such electoral outcomes as “foolish” and preemptively acknowledged that such comments could be perceived as bigoted. True Texas Project, which identifies itself as a grassroots conservative organization with statewide chapters, did not respond to requests for comment from The Texas Newsroom regarding the email’s content and intent. The timing of the message, just days before the nation commemorates the 9/11 attacks, amplifies concerns about its divisive nature.
A Pattern of Divisive Rhetoric in Texas
The email from True Texas Project arrives amid a noticeable uptick in anti-Muslim rhetoric from prominent Texas Republicans. Hours before the True Texas Project’s message was distributed, Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on social media, declaring, “Sharia law and Sharia cities are banned in the state of Texas,” and adding that “any legal system that flouts human rights is BANNED.” This statement drew sharp criticism from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), with a spokesperson accusing the governor of spreading misinformation and urging him to visit a Texas mosque to understand Islamic practices. CAIR stated that the Texas Muslim community “fears God, not dishonest fearmongering from politicians.”
This trend also extends to local party leadership. Bo French, the chair of the Tarrant County Republican Party, has been at the center of controversy for his own social media posts targeting Democratic state Representative Salman Bhojani, a Muslim and a Pakistani immigrant. French reportedly questioned whether laws should be changed to “forbid foreign born… people from holding any elected office” and, in a now-deleted post, asked followers whether Jewish or Muslim individuals posed a greater threat to America. Bhojani, who was elected to the Texas Legislature in 2022, found the True Texas Project’s email “insulting” and believed it aligned with the sentiments of other Texas conservatives.
True Texas Project: Background and Classification
True Texas Project, formerly known as the NE Tarrant Tea Party before rebranding in 2019, describes itself as a grassroots organization dedicated to educating and motivating citizen engagement in government. However, the group has been identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as an extremist, anti-government organization. Past events hosted by True Texas Project have featured themes such as “Multiculturalism & The War On White America” and “Great Replacement Theory,” indicating a history of promoting narratives that align with far-right ideologies. Their principles include a belief in constitutional government, national sovereignty, fiscal responsibility, and rule of law.
Community Reactions and Broader Concerns
The actions by True Texas Project and other Texas Republicans have generated significant backlash from civil rights organizations and targeted communities. CAIR-Texas has been a vocal critic, urging state leaders to condemn bigotry and hold colleagues accountable. They have highlighted how such rhetoric endangers targeted communities and erodes public trust. The organization has also noted a broader national pattern of fearmongering around Muslim-led development projects, such as the EPIC City proposal near Dallas, which Governor Abbott has also publicly opposed using similar anti-Sharia rhetoric.
The Interplay of Immigration and Political Discourse
The incidents in Texas occur against a backdrop of intensified debate surrounding immigration and national identity. Research indicates a surge in anti-immigrant legislation and rhetoric across the United States, with Texas being a focal point. This political climate, particularly in the post-9/11 era, has seen anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments frequently intersect, creating a challenging environment for minority groups. The emphasis on national security and homeland protection, amplified by events like 9/11, has at times been used to fuel suspicion and prejudice against entire communities.
A Divided Political Landscape
As the nation approaches another September 11th anniversary, the activities of groups like True Texas Project and the statements from public officials underscore a deeply divided political landscape in Texas. The deliberate invocation of the 9/11 tragedy to cast suspicion on elected officials based on their ethnic or religious background highlights a concerning trend. Civil rights advocates and elected officials from affected communities are calling for greater accountability and a rejection of such divisive language, emphasizing that this rhetoric is not only harmful but also antithetical to the values of inclusivity and tolerance in Texas and across the nation. The ongoing news cycle in Texas continues to reflect these heated political tensions.
