The American Muslim community working in the national security sector has expressed its support for Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz in the upcoming elections, asserting that both leaders represent the best path forward for the nation.
In a statement issued by a group of American Muslims working in the national security sector, which includes Wa’el Alzayat, Chief Executive Officer of Emgage Action; Zahed Amanullah, Director of the Concordia Forum (2011-2022) and Counter Extremism Expert; Dr. Ziad J. Asali, MD, Founder and President of the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP); Ambassador Sada Cumber, Former U.S. Presidential Envoy to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); The Honorable Keith Ellison, Attorney General of Minnesota and Former Member of the U.S. House of Representatives (D-MN); Adnan Kifayat, Former Director for Counter Terrorism at the National Security Council (NSC) and Former Alternate U.S. Executive Director to the African Development Bank (U.S. Treasury); Shuja Nawaz, Author and Founding Director of the South Asia Center at the Atlantic Council; Farah Pandith, Former Special Representative to Muslim Communities at the U.S. State Department and Former Director for Middle East Regional Initiatives at the NSC; Former Chief of Staff for the Asia and Near East Bureau at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); Ambassador Islam A. Siddiqui, Former Senior Advisor for Food Security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Former Chief U.S. Agricultural Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR); and Dr. Volkan Topalli, Professor of Criminology at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University, the statement highlighted the community's belief that America's strength lies in honoring commitments, standing up to despots, defending freedom, promoting peace, and uniting its people.
In contrast, the statement criticized former President Donald Trump for allegedly undermining alliances, aligning with autocrats, subverting truth, and promoting opportunities for a select few.
“Harris and Walz recognize that diversity is a core strength, consistently valuing all Americans regardless of race, religion, or background,” the statement read. “Their vision is one of inclusion and respect, bridging divides and healing wounds. In contrast, Trump’s divisive actions and rhetoric—from the 'Muslim ban' to demeaning comments about immigrants and minorities—put our security at risk.”
The statement also noted that the history of Islam in North America predates the founding of the United States, emphasizing that American Muslims, like all Americans, are entitled to the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. “We deserve leaders who venerate our Constitution, safeguard democracy, and respect all Americans,” it added.
“This election is the most consequential in modern history. For these reasons, we support Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz to lead this nation forward. They are the leaders America needs today,” the community stated.
The statement further asserted that national security must be grounded in integrity and truth, calling for leaders who will foster an America that gives “to bigotry no sanction.” “We deserve leaders who honor the dignity of all citizens and reject division and hate. This election presents a clear choice: a future that engages all Americans and promotes prosperity, peace, and democracy, or one that divides, eliminates freedoms, and thrives on chaos and dishonesty.”
As American Muslims who have served the country in various capacities across both Democratic and Republican administrations, the community advocates for a foreign policy that strengthens alliances, defends human rights, and supports democracy—making America stronger. “We understand the importance of national security and demand leadership that upholds these values,” the statement read.
“Our country is at a historic turning point, facing the most complex threat environment in generations. Our security is endangered by state and non-state adversaries who oppose the freedoms that underpin our democracy. We call on all Americans to join us in voting for them this November, ensuring a future where unity prevails and national security is entrusted to responsible leaders who will keep us safe.”