Rep. Mary Miller (R-Ill.) is under intense scrutiny from both Republican and Democratic colleagues after posting—and then deleting—a statement on social media criticizing a Sikh chaplain for leading a prayer in the U.S. House of Representatives. Miller initially misidentified the chaplain as Muslim and asserted that such a prayer “should have never been allowed.”

The controversy began when Giani Surinder Singh, a Sikh Granthi from New Jersey, delivered the House’s morning prayer. Shortly after, Miller posted on X (formerly Twitter): “It’s deeply troubling that a Muslim was allowed to lead prayer in the House of Representatives this morning. This should have never been allowed to happen. America was founded as a Christian nation, and I believe our government should reflect that truth, not drift further from it.” She later edited the post to correctly identify Singh as Sikh, before deleting it entirely.

Lawmakers from both parties quickly denounced Miller’s remarks. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-N.Y.) responded, “A Sikh prayer on the House floor doesn’t violate the Constitution, offend my Catholic faith, or throttle my support for Israel. Live and let live.” Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) added, “Sikh-Americans are respected and valued members of our communities, yet they continue to endure harassment and discrimination.”

Miller’s comments misrepresented Sikhism—a distinct religion from Islam and the fifth largest globally, with deep roots in the United States. 

This incident is not the first time Miller has faced criticism for inflammatory statements. She previously attracted controversy for remarks referencing Adolf Hitler and for calling the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade a “victory for white life,” which her office later attributed to a misreading of her prepared remarks.