Trump, El-Sayed Trade Barbs Over Muslim Faith in Michigan Rally
President Trump labeled the Democratic Senate candidate a "jihadist" and questioned his ability to travel, prompting a defiant response from El-Sayed.
President Donald Trump unleashed a sharp attack on Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed during a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, calling him a "jihadist" and suggesting he would face security scrutiny that would prevent him from boarding an airplane. Trump also claimed El-Sayed wanted America to adopt Sharia law.
El-Sayed, 41, swiftly retorted during a rival rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. "I don't even care that he remembers my whole name because he can just go on and call me senator after November," El-Sayed told supporters. "I'll be Sen. Mohammed to you, bro."
The exchange occurred as Trump engaged in a final campaign blitz ahead of the midterm elections. Speaking in Michigan, where Republican Mike Rogers is competing against El-Sayed for the Senate seat vacated by Democrat Gary Peters, Trump focused on the Democratic challenger. "I'm here to keep a jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member from becoming a United States senator, and that's the fact. Not going to let that happen," Trump declared.
There is no evidence to support claims that El-Sayed belongs to the Muslim Brotherhood, and the candidate has publicly denounced the group. The Republican campaign has highlighted past comments from El-Sayed's half-sister regarding her family's connections to the organization. El-Sayed maintains these allegations aim to distract from issues such as healthcare and the cost of living.
Trump's rhetoric drew criticism from Bishara Bahbah, a founder of Arab Americans for Trump. "The president's statements are out of line. They are crossing a red line. They are racist," Bahbah stated. "The president of the United States saying that about a person because of his religion, that is just not acceptable."
The controversy unfolded during a rally that also featured rapper Nicki Minaj, who endorsed Rogers. The event followed former President Barack Obama's campaign appearances for Democrats in Michigan.
Trump's campaign schedule includes stops in Mississippi, Texas, Ohio, Florida, and Iowa as Republicans seek to retain their congressional majorities amid voter concerns about inflation, fuel prices, and the war in Iran. Trump has urged his supporters to turn out for the midterms, referring to them as a referendum on his presidency. He also raised concerns about election integrity in Michigan, targeting Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
El-Sayed, who appeared at a rally with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, has repeatedly denied links to extremist groups and accused Republicans of using his Muslim faith to divert attention from key voter concerns.