Bill Clinton Condemns Anti-Muslim Rhetoric, Quotes Quran in Florida Campaign Stop

On October 20, 2026, former U.S. President Bill Clinton delivered a speech at an interfaith event in Hollywood, Florida, condemning anti-Muslim rhetoric and stating, "I'm tired of people denigrating Muslims for being Muslims"[1][12]. This appearance also served as a rally where he raised $3 million for Florida Democratic gubernatorial nominee David Jolly[12][17].

Clinton's public engagement, which included quoting the Quran, highlighted his concern over growing religious and cultural divisions in the United States[1]. His active participation in the Florida gubernatorial race immediately impacted political projections for a key midterm election[15].

What the records show

The event, titled "Multiple Faiths, One Florida," took place at the Koinonia Worship Center in Hollywood, Florida[6][10][12]. During his address, former President Clinton directly quoted verse 49:13 of Surah Al-Hujurat from the Quran, which states that humanity was created into nations and tribes "that they may know one another"[1][3][5]. He explained that his daughter, Chelsea Clinton, had read the Quran at age 15 and encouraged him to read it, leading him to appreciate the text's message of mutual acquaintance over hostility[1][5][11].

Clinton used the platform to criticize what he described as America's growing religious and cultural divisions, arguing that religious differences should not be used to justify discrimination[1][7]. He stated, "There are bad actors in every faith because we're all flawed human beings," stressing the importance of respecting religious beliefs[6][11].

The campaign impact

Clinton's presence significantly aided David Jolly's gubernatorial campaign in Florida[12]. A private fundraiser held earlier in Miami, headlined by Clinton, generated $3 million for Jolly's campaign[12][17]. The Democratic Governors Association separately committed an additional $1 million to support Jolly[17]. These financial contributions and Clinton's campaigning marked his first public appearance for the 2026 midterm elections[12][14]. Florida Politics reported that Fox News adjusted its assessment of the Florida Governor's race from "Likely Republican" to "Lean Republican" following Clinton's involvement[15][17].

What Clinton said publicly

During his speech, former President Clinton expressed strong opposition to the targeting of Muslims, asserting, "I'm tired of people denigrating Muslims for being Muslims"[1][2][4]. He criticized current political figures, including President Donald Trump, for their rhetoric and policies[6][17]. Clinton specifically mentioned Trump's alleged use of religiously charged language against Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim Democratic candidate for a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan[6][7]. Reports indicated that President Trump had referred to El-Sayed as "Mohammed" and called him a "jihadist"[9]. Clinton emphasized the need for mutual understanding rather than conflict stemming from cultural and religious diversity[1][7]. He questioned the Trump administration's immigration policies, domestic priorities, and its foreign policy approach to Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin[17].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific primary source document or exact context for President Donald Trump's reported statements referring to Abdul El-Sayed as "Mohammed" and a "jihadist"[9].