Democrat Abdul El-Sayed Tells Fox News Host To ‘Be A Journalist’

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed engaged in a tense interview with Fox News host Bret Baier on Friday, telling the journalist to “be a journalist” after Baier questioned his views on the Muslim Brotherhood and his allegiance to the U.S. Constitution.

“I have never been a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. I never will be a member of the Muslim Brotherhood,” El-Sayed stated on “Special Report.” “I am interested in serving the United States. I’m interested in swearing an oath to the Constitution that every senator has sworn an oath to.”

El-Sayed has faced scrutiny over his Muslim background and perceived ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist movement with various factions, from conservative figures, including President Donald Trump. El-Sayed’s opponents, such as Mike Rogers, have attempted to use these associations to portray him as less American.

During the interview, El-Sayed attempted to preempt Baier’s line of questioning, stating, “You are asking this question, to raise a question about—about whether or not I have dual loyalty.” Baier defended his inquiry as being related to Rogers' campaign, but El-Sayed urged him not to be an advocate for Rogers’ campaign.

“If the question about my faith is the issue, which Mike Rogers wants it to be, I think it is sad and beneath him, and frankly, beneath the president of the United States, to make that an issue, because under our Constitution, you’re guaranteed the right to pray as you choose to pray,” El-Sayed said.

El-Sayed had previously addressed similar accusations at a rally in Caro, Michigan, telling a heckler, “I’m running for the U.S. Senate and happen to be Muslim.” He emphasized the importance of protecting everyone’s right to practice their faith, stating, “I want to protect your right to practice your faith as you choose as a Christian man. The only question, though, is that it seems like you don’t want to protect my right to practice as I choose.”