Trump calls Michigan rival El-Sayed a 'jihadist' at Port Huron rally

President Donald Trump described Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed as a 'jihadist' on Sunday, claiming the Democrat was on the side of terrorists. Speaking in Port Huron, the president argued that El-Sayed would need to pass through a metal detector before entering the Senate chamber. Trump repeatedly referenced the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, drawing a parallel between stopping El-Sayed and the passengers who fought hijackers aboard United Flight 93.

The comments mark a sharp escalation in the campaign’s focus on El-Sayed’s faith. If elected, El-Sayed would become the nation’s first Muslim senator. He has previously labeled attacks on his patriotism as 'shameful' and denies any connections to extremist organizations. Bishara Bahbah, a founder of the group Arab Americans for Trump, called the president’s remarks 'racist' and 'out of line' in a phone interview. The organization, which helped Trump reach Arab American voters in 2024, has since renamed itself Arab Americans for Peace.

Trump’s rhetoric comes as Republicans face pressure from inflation, high fuel prices, and the ongoing conflict with Iran. The strategy aims to frame El-Sayed and other Democrats as existential threats to generate voter turnout. Michigan’s Senate race between El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is one of few contests that could determine control of the chamber. Trump, who implemented a travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority countries in his first term, has increased his use of anti-Muslim language as Election Day nears.

The rally took place in Port Huron, a border city near Dearborn. Trump made historic gains in Dearborn among Arab American voters in 2024, becoming the first Republican presidential candidate since 2000 to win that city. At the event, Trump also attacked Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, stating he was in Michigan to prevent a 'jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member' from becoming a senator.

El-Sayed responded at a rally in Grand Rapids later that day. He told supporters he does not mind how Trump mispronounces his name. '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 said. 'I will be Senator Muhammad to you, bro.'

Republican strategists have worked to link El-Sayed to the Muslim Brotherhood, though no evidence of affiliation has been found. His half-sister, Eman Abdelhadi, stated in 2012 that their family had long been part of the movement. Trump also targeted El-Sayed’s relationship with streamer Hasan Piker, who has made controversial comments about Israel and 9/11. El-Sayed has faced scrutiny for his own statements, including a 'hurt people hurt people' remark made after a synagogue attack in the Detroit area, for which he later apologized.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, who spoke at the Grand Rapids rally, argued that Trump relies on Islamophobia because he has 'nothing to say' about health care, housing, and income inequality. 'All they can do is foment hatred and divisiveness,' Sanders said. Rogers, El-Sayed’s opponent, repeated allegations linking the Democrat to the Muslim Brotherhood before Trump’s appearance, noting the group celebrated El-Sayed’s primary victory.

Unlike other recent rallies, Trump announced no new factory investments in Michigan. He reiterated existing commitments from domestic automakers, who face potential financial strain if the trade war with Canada expands. The event featured a musical performance by rapper Nicki Minaj, who urged voters to support the Republican ticket. Trump commented on Minaj’s appearance on stage, signaling for her to stand for the crowd. He assured the audience, 'I hope Nicki wasn't insulted, but we love Nicki. She's been with us for a long time.'