Trump Intensifies Attacks on Michigan Senate Candidate El-Sayed
Source reports published 26 Oct 2026, 7:50 am – 10:00 am AEST
President Trump escalated his criticism of Abdul El-Sayed during a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, comparing him to the 9/11 attackers and raising concerns about his loyalty to the United States.
What happened
- During a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, President Donald Trump asserted that Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic Senate candidate, was a "jihadist" and "on the side of the terrorists."
- He repeatedly invoked the September 11, 2001, attacks, drawing a comparison between preventing El-Sayed from entering the Senate chamber and the actions of passengers aboard United Flight 93.
- Bishara Bahbah, a founder of Arab Americans for Trump, stated that Trump’s remarks were "out of line" and "crossing a red line."
- Cole Wozniak, El-Sayed’s spokesperson, responded by stating that El-Sayed remained focused on his campaign plans.
- Trump’s campaign strategy has centered on portraying El-Sayed as an existential threat to America, rather than a political rival, amid Republican concerns about inflation and other issues.
Original reporting
- NPR: Trump escalates anti-Muslim attacks against El-Sayed in Michigan
2026-10-26T00:00:00+00:00 - PBS NewsHour: Trump escalates rhetoric against El-Sayed as he tries to undermine Democrat in Michigan Senate race
2026-10-25T21:50:29+00:00 - South China Morning Post: Trump escalates attacks on Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed with 9/11 comparison
2026-10-25T22:29:09+00:00