Trump escalates anti-Muslim attacks against El-Sayed in Michigan
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- President Donald Trump escalated anti-Muslim rhetoric against Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, labeling him a "jihadist" and questioning his loyalty, which drew condemnation from Arab American allies and accusations of racism.
- El-Sayed, who would be the first Muslim U.S. senator if elected, denied ties to extremist groups and criticized attacks on his loyalty as "shameful," while Republicans linked him to the Muslim Brotherhood without evidence.
- The Michigan Senate race, considered pivotal for control of the chamber, has become highly contentious with Trump and GOP candidates portraying El-Sayed as a national security threat amid broader political struggles over inflation and foreign policy.
- Trump’s rally in Michigan included attacks on other Muslim Democrats and featured rapper Nicki Minaj endorsing the Republican ticket, though the event lacked new economic promises for the auto industry.
- Arab Americans for Peace founder Bishara Bahbah condemned Trump’s remarks as racist and harmful to Arab and Muslim communities, warning such rhetoric could influence voter sentiment in the upcoming election.
