Trump Calls Michigan Muslim Senate Candidate A 'Jihadist' At Rally
President Trump on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, in Port Huron, Michigan, called Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed a "jihadist" and said he was "on the side of the terrorists," escalating attacks in a pivotal race.[1]
He compared keeping El-Sayed out of the Senate to the actions of United Flight 93 passengers on Sept. 11, 2001, and said El-Sayed would "have to go through a metal detector" before entering the chamber.[1] Arab Americans for Trump co-founder Bishara Bahbah denounced the remarks as racist, while El-Sayed told supporters in Grand Rapids he expects to be called "senator" after November.[1]
The Michigan Senate race between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is considered one of the contests that could decide control of the U.S. Senate.[1] NPR described the comments as an escalation of anti-Muslim attacks aimed at El-Sayed.[1]
Those comments add a volatile flashpoint in a race that will help determine Senate control and could shape messaging in the final days before voting.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Sunday, October 25, 2026, President Trump campaigned in Port Huron, Michigan, and called Abdul El-Sayed a 'jihadist' who is 'on the side of the terrorists.'
- Trump compared keeping El-Sayed out of the Senate to the actions of United Flight 93 passengers on Sept. 11, 2001, and said El-Sayed would 'have to go through a metal detector' before entering the chamber.
- Arab Americans for Trump co-founder Bishara Bahbah denounced the remarks as racist, while El-Sayed told supporters in Grand Rapids he expects to be called 'senator' after November.
- The Michigan Senate race between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is considered one of the contests that could decide control of the U.S. Senate.
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