Trump escalates anti-Muslim attacks against El-Sayed in Michigan, drawing Arab American rebuke

Trump’s Attacks on Muslim Senate Candidate Spark Backlash in Michigan President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed during a Sunday rally in Port Huron, calling him a “jihadist” and questioning his loyalty to the United States. Trump also invoked the September 11 terrorist attacks while portraying El-Sayed as a national security threat.

El-Sayed, a former Detroit health official who would become the nation's first Muslim senator if elected, rejected the accusations as shameful and defended his constitutional right to religious freedom.

The remarks drew particularly sharp criticism from Bishara Bahbah, founder of Arab Americans for Trump, whose organization helped Trump gain support among Arab American voters in 2024. Bahbah called the president's statements racist and warned they could alienate voters ahead of the November 3 election.

Republicans have attempted to associate El-Sayed with the Muslim Brotherhood, citing comments made years ago by his half-sister about their family's history. However, there is no evidence that El-Sayed himself has any affiliation with the organization.

El-Sayed has also faced legitimate scrutiny over his political associations and past statements, including appearances with controversial streamer Hasan Piker and remarks following an attack on a Detroit-area synagogue, for which El-Sayed subsequently apologized.

The Senate contest between El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers, who has similarly questioned his opponent's loyalty, is among several races that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, campaigning alongside El-Sayed, accused Republicans of promoting religious division rather than addressing economic concerns such as health care, housing costs and income inequality.

Trump's rally also featured an appearance by rapper Nicki Minaj, who encouraged voters to support Republican candidates. However, the president announced no significant new economic investments for Michigan, instead highlighting previously announced automotive projects.

The increasingly bitter contest illustrates how religion, identity, national security and political polarization have become central themes in one of the nation's most closely watched Senate races.

Source and Attribution: This is a summary of reporting by Joey Cappelletti and Mike Householder of The Associated Press, published October 25, 2026. AP writer Josh Boak also contributed to the original report.