At a Republican campaign rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Monday, independent U.S. Senate candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asserted that 500 million Arabs do not contribute to global science, literature, or major academic prizes. Kennedy made the remarks while discussing the Muslim Brotherhood, a topic tied to the Michigan Senate race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed. Kennedy described the Muslim Brotherhood as a “death cult” driven by “victimization, murder, and genocide.”
Kennedy’s claims about Arab contributions to science and literature were contradicted by public records. Ahmed Zewail, an Egyptian scientist, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999, while Naguib Mahfouz, an Egyptian novelist, received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1988. Tawakkol Karman, a Yemeni journalist and activist, shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. Michigan has the highest share of residents reporting Arab ancestry of any U.S. state, at approximately 2.2%, according to the 2024 American Community Survey.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, criticized Republican rhetoric targeting El-Sayed in the Senate race. In an interview with Fox News, Whitmer suggested that Rogers and former President Donald Trump were attempting to exploit “hidden xenophobia” in Michigan. Whitmer argued that Republicans were focusing on divisive issues rather than economic concerns, stating that voters should assess whether they are “better off” financially compared to two years prior.
The Michigan Senate race has drawn national attention, with Obama and Trump making campaign appearances for their respective candidates. El-Sayed has denied ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, while Rogers has highlighted the organization as a campaign issue. Both campaigns and Whitmer’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Background: The Muslim Brotherhood in U.S. Politics
The Muslim Brotherhood has emerged as a contentious issue in the Michigan Senate race, with Rogers and Trump framing El-Sayed’s opponents as connected to the group. El-Sayed has publicly disavowed the Muslim Brotherhood and stated that he has no affiliation with the organization. Kennedy’s remarks at the rally in Grand Rapids were part of a broader discussion on the group’s influence.
Kennedy’s Statements and Fact-Checking
Kennedy’s assertion that 500 million Arabs do not produce science or win major prizes was fact-checked and debunked by public records. Nobel Prize archives confirm multiple Arab recipients across scientific and literary categories. Kennedy’s comments were made during a discussion about the Muslim Brotherhood, which he described as an ideology of “victimization, murder, and genocide.”
Political Reactions and Campaign Dynamics
Whitmer’s interview with Fox News emphasized economic concerns over cultural or religious rhetoric. She stated that Republicans were avoiding discussions about the economy, which she argued had worsened under the current administration. Whitmer’s comments followed a Fox News poll indicating that Michigan voters were split between El-Sayed and Rogers, with economic issues cited as a top priority for many residents.
The Senate race has become a focal point for national political observers, with both major parties deploying high-profile surrogates to rally support. The Muslim Brotherhood controversy has added a layer of complexity to the campaign, with Rogers and Trump framing El-Sayed’s opponents as a potential security threat. El-Sayed has maintained that the allegations are politically motivated and without merit.
Key Takeaways
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed 500 million Arabs do not contribute to science or literature during a Michigan rally, a statement contradicted by Nobel Prize records.
- Gov. Gretchen Whitmer accused Republicans of exploiting “hidden xenophobia” in the Senate race, arguing that economic issues should take precedence.
- The Muslim Brotherhood has become a central issue in the Michigan Senate race, with Mike Rogers and Donald Trump highlighting the group’s alleged ties to El-Sayed, who has denied any connection.
- Michigan has the highest proportion of residents reporting Arab ancestry in the U.S., at 2.2%, according to the 2024 Census data.
- The race remains tight, with a Fox News poll showing voters split between El-Sayed and Rogers ahead of Election Day.