President Donald Trump’s remarks about Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate race drew a rebuke from a former Arab American ally on October 25, 2026. Trump questioned El-Sayed’s loyalty to the United States and portrayed him as a security threat at a rally in Port Huron.

Key Takeaways

  • Bishara Bahbah, a founder of Arab Americans for Trump, called the president’s remarks racist.
  • El-Sayed has denied ties to extremist groups; there is no evidence he is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood.
  • El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers for the seat held by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters.

Former ally condemns remarks in Michigan Senate race

At the rally, Trump called El-Sayed a “jihadist” and said he was “on the side of the terrorists.” Trump also invoked the September 11, 2001, attacks while arguing that El-Sayed should be kept out of the Senate.

Bahbah, whose group helped lead Trump’s outreach to Arab American voters in 2024 and is now called Arab Americans for Peace, said the president’s comments were unacceptable. “They are crossing a red line. They are racist,” he said.

Candidates contest Senate seat

Rogers has also sought to link El-Sayed to the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic movement with branches that the US government has designated as terrorist organizations. There is no evidence that El-Sayed is affiliated with the movement.

El-Sayed, a former Detroit health official, has called challenges to his loyalty “shameful.” At a rally in Grand Rapids later on October 25, he told supporters that Trump could call him “senator” after November.

El-Sayed would become the first Muslim US senator if elected. His contest against Rogers is among the races that could determine control of the chamber.

Next milestone

Michigan voters are scheduled to decide the Senate race on November 3.

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