US President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, invoking the September 11 attacks and questioning whether the Democratic contender should enter the US Senate without additional security screening. The remarks came as the closely contested Michigan Senate race approached the November midterm elections.
Trump Accuses El-Sayed of Supporting Sharia Law
During Sunday's rally, Trump labelled El-Sayed a “Jihadist Member of the Muslim Brotherhood” and claimed the candidate wanted the United States to adopt Sharia law. In a Truth Social post ahead of the event, Trump also suggested El-Sayed should face prosecution if such a change occurred.
El-Sayed has repeatedly denied having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Trump further questioned whether the candidate should have access to sensitive national security information if elected.
The president urged Michigan voters to support Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, a former congressman, and accused Democrats of allowing violent anti-American extremists into the country. These statements were allegations made by Trump and were not independently established in the information provided.
Trump Invokes September 11 Attacks
Trump referred to Todd Beamer, a Michigan native who helped passengers resist hijackers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 during the September 11, 2001, attacks. He compared that resistance with what he described as the need to prevent El-Sayed from entering the US Capitol.
Trump also called for El-Sayed to undergo metal detector screening if elected, saying he should be the only senator required to pass through such checks before entering the Senate.
El-Sayed Rejects Allegations of Divided Loyalties
At a recent town hall in Caro, Michigan, El-Sayed was asked whether he would disavow the Muslim Brotherhood. He responded that the question assumed he would have divided loyalties and said he would swear an oath to the US Constitution, which protects freedom of religion.
A Marist poll cited in the supplied report placed El-Sayed ahead of Rogers by 50 per cent to 48 per cent among likely Michigan voters.
Former Democratic President Barack Obama campaigned for El-Sayed in Detroit on Saturday, encouraging supporters to back his candidacy. Trump, meanwhile, highlighted his administration's record on Michigan's auto industry, job creation and Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
The exchange underscores how national security, religion and political identity have become prominent themes in the closely watched Senate contest.
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