President Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric against Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed during a campaign rally in Port Huron on Sunday, labeling him a 'jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member' and asserting he should never be allowed inside the U.S. Capitol. The remarks came as Trump campaigned for Republican nominee Mike Rogers in a race that has drawn national attention due to its implications for Senate control and the candidates' contrasting policy positions.
Trump’s latest comments included claims that El-Sayed would require a metal detector to enter the Senate, a statement echoed by co-host Sunny Hostin on ABC’s The View as an example of 'dangerous, reckless Islamophobia'. Hostin contrasted Trump’s remarks with praise for Rogers, whom Trump described as 'perfect' and 'apple pie', while Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer accused Trump and Rogers of 'cultivating xenophobia' ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
El-Sayed, a U.S.-born citizen and former public health official, has repeatedly denied any ties to extremist groups. His campaign has framed the attacks as attempts to distract from economic concerns, including rising costs of living. Meanwhile, Trump’s comments extended to Jewish voters, stating that 'any Jewish person that supports this guy should be ashamed of themselves'—a remark that drew immediate backlash from some Michigan Jewish voters who have endorsed El-Sayed.
Core Developments in the Race
Trump’s Rally Remarks
President Trump’s Port Huron rally marked the latest escalation in a campaign that has increasingly centered on El-Sayed’s faith and alleged foreign ties. Key claims included:
- 'He would be the only senator that will have to go through a metal detector before he’s allowed to go into the Senate. I want him to have a metal detector.'
- 'If Abdul and the Democrats win, they will open the floodgates and invite hordes of jihadists to our shores, creating a nightmare of violence and terror until you cannot even have a Christmas.'
- 'I’m here today in Michigan for a very important reason: I’m here to keep a jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member from becoming a United States senator.'
Trump also compared voting against El-Sayed to the actions of Todd Beamer, a passenger on United Flight 93 during the 9/11 attacks, stating: 'Twenty-five years later, Michigan needs to stand up and fight, just like Todd did, to stop a jihadist from walking into the Capitol.'
El-Sayed’s Response and Policy Focus
El-Sayed, who has emphasized affordable healthcare, housing, and education as central campaign issues, dismissed the attacks as 'shameful' and an attempt to 'distract us from the suffering [Trump’s] policies are inflicting on us at the pump, at the grocery store, and at the doctor’s office.' He has repeatedly pledged to uphold the Constitution and denied any affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, calling the allegations 'unfounded and Islamophobic.'
His campaign has also highlighted his U.S. citizenship by birth and his record as a former public health director in Michigan. Polls indicate a tight race between El-Sayed and Rogers, with the outcome potentially influencing Senate control.
Republican and Democratic Reactions
Republican nominee Mike Rogers has repeatedly linked El-Sayed to the Muslim Brotherhood, stating in a debate that El-Sayed is 'bought off by the Muslim Brotherhood'—a claim with no public evidence. Trump, in turn, has framed Rogers as a 'fantastic man' and 'central casting' for a Senate candidate, contrasting him with El-Sayed.
Democratic leaders, including Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have accused Trump and Rogers of 'cultivating xenophobia' and 'hidden Islamophobia' to sway voters. Whitmer argued that the focus on El-Sayed’s faith is a distraction from economic issues, stating: 'The point is that they're talking about anything other than the cost of living, which has gone up because of the decisions that this administration has made.'
Broader Context: Islamophobia in the Midterms
The Michigan Senate race is part of a broader pattern in the 2026 midterms, where Republican candidates have increasingly used anti-Muslim rhetoric against Democratic opponents. Examples include:
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott claiming that his Democratic opponent, Gina Hinojosa, 'supports Sharia law.'
- Texas Senator Ted Cruz alleging that 'communism' and 'Islamism' are allying against Republicans.
El-Sayed’s campaign has pushed back against these narratives, hiring a Jewish outreach director in the final stretch to counter claims about his positions on Israel. His opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza have divided some Jewish voters, though polls suggest he retains support from a segment of the community.
Fact-Checking Key Claims
- El-Sayed’s Alleged Muslim Brotherhood Ties: A 2012 letter cosigned by El-Sayed in support of then-Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has been cited by critics. However, El-Sayed has stated that the letter was a routine diplomatic gesture and not an endorsement of the Muslim Brotherhood. No evidence has been presented linking him to extremist organizations.
- Trump’s 'Jihadist' Label: El-Sayed has never been charged with or convicted of any crime related to terrorism. His campaign has called the label 'slanderous.'
- Trump’s 'Cancel Christmas' Claim: This remark has been widely criticized as inflammatory and baseless, with no connection to El-Sayed’s policy positions.
What’s Next?
With eight days remaining until the November 3 midterm elections, the race remains highly competitive. Trump’s rallies in Michigan, including his appearance with rapper Nicki Minaj, have drawn significant attention, though his approval rating remains at 36%, according to The New York Times average. Polls show the Michigan Senate race too close to call, with both campaigns emphasizing turnout in the final days.
El-Sayed’s team has framed the attacks as an attempt to 'weaponize Islamophobia' to suppress votes, while Rogers’ campaign has doubled down on national security messaging. The outcome could have national implications for Senate control, given the narrow margins in several key races.