NewsWPLG Local 10October 26, 2026Miami-Dade County
Trump escalates anti-Muslim attacks against Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed
Photo: WPLG Local 10
President Donald Trump intensified his rhetoric against Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at a Port Huron rally, questioning his loyalty and portraying him as a national security threat. The remarks drew a sharp rebuke from Bishara Bahbah, founder of Arab Americans for Peace, who called the statements racist.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The high-stakes Michigan Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is one of a handful of contests that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.
Key Facts
- President Donald Trump criticized Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at a rally in Port Huron, calling him a threat to national security and questioning his loyalty.
- Bishara Bahbah, founder of Arab Americans for Peace, condemned Trump's statements as racist and out of line.
- The Michigan Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers is one of a few contests that could determine control of the Senate chamber.
- Trump claimed during his remarks that he came to Michigan to keep a jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member from becoming a U.S. senator.
- El-Sayed has denied any ties to extremist groups and called attacks on his loyalty shameful.
- Republican candidate Mike Rogers also questioned El-Sayed's loyalty to the United States during a general election debate.
- Rapper Nicki Minaj made a stage appearance at the Trump rally to urge support for the Republican ticket.
Who's Mentioned
locationUnited States“Country referenced in national security and loyalty statements.”locationDetroit“City where El-Sayed previously worked as a health official.”locationMichigan“State where the Senate race is taking place.”locationIsrael“Country referenced in streamer and regional conflict remarks.”locationOhio“State represented by Sen. Jon Husted.”locationGrand Rapids“Michigan city where El-Sayed and Sanders held a rally.”PersonGary Peters“Retiring Democratic Senator whose seat is being contested.”locationDearborn“Michigan city with a large concentration of Arab Americans.”PersonJon Husted“Ohio Senator.”locationCanada“Country bordering Port Huron and involved in automotive trade.”PersonNicki Minaj“Rapper who appeared on stage at the rally.”PersonIlhan Omar“Democratic Representative from Minnesota.”locationIran“Country involved in a war cited by the campaign context.”PersonHasan Piker“Streamer who appeared alongside El-Sayed.”locationMinnesota“State represented by Rep. Ilhan Omar.”PersonMike Rogers“Republican Senate candidate in Michigan.”otherAssociated Press“News agency publishing the report.”PersonBernie Sanders“U.S. Senator speaking at a Grand Rapids rally.”PersonAbdul El-Sayed“Michigan Senate candidate and former Detroit health official.”PersonJosh Boak“Associated Press writer who contributed to the report.”otherHamas“Group referenced in remarks by streamer Hasan Piker.”otherMuslim Brotherhood“Islamic movement designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government.”locationPort Huron“Michigan city where President Trump made his remarks.”PersonDonald Trump“President of the United States making campaign remarks in Michigan.”locationLebanon“Location of an Israeli airstrike.”locationWashington“Location of reporting staff.”otherArab Americans for Trump“Political outreach group founded by Bishara Bahbah, later renamed Arab Americans”PersonBishara Bahbah“Founder of Arab Americans for Peace.”locationEgypt“Country of origin of El-Sayed's parents.”otherArab Americans for Peace“Updated name of the political group previously called Arab Americans for Trump.”PersonEman Abdelhadi“Half-sister of Abdul El-Sayed.”