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Politics · November 2, 2026

Trump launches racist diatribe against Abdul El-Sayed at Iowa rally

Part of: Michigan Senate: El-Sayed vs. Rogers →
3 sources →

In the final days before the midterm elections, the Michigan U.S. Senate race between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers has intensified following a high-profile endorsement shift and sharp rhetoric from President Trump. Representative Haley Stevens, who lost to El-Sayed in the primary, withdrew her support for him and endorsed Rogers after El-Sayed did not disavow an ad linking U.S. military support for Israel to domestic inflation. During an Iowa rally, President Trump attacked El-Sayed using rhetoric centered on his Muslim faith. Meanwhile, El-Sayed, who is running on a progressive platform including 'Medicare for All' and an arms embargo on Israel, has called for voters to judge him on his character amid polling that suggests a competitive race.

Read the original coverage

Reported across the spectrum

  • Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan.
  • Mike Rogers is the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in Michigan.
  • Haley Stevens endorsed Mike Rogers after previously competing against El-Sayed in the Democratic primary.
  • The Michigan Senate race is considered a key contest for determining party control of the chamber.
  • President Trump spoke about Abdul El-Sayed during a campaign event in Iowa.

Reported by only some outlets

  • The Guardian reports President Trump called El-Sayed a 'jihadist' and a 'jihadist lunatic'.
  • The Guardian reports Trump stated Congress would need a 'special metal detector' for El-Sayed.
  • Newsweek reports El-Sayed held an 11-point lead over Mike Rogers in polling on Sunday.
  • CBS News reports El-Sayed is 42 years old and the son of Egyptian immigrants with a medical degree from Columbia.
  • CBS News reports Mike Rogers is 63 years old.
  • The Guardian and CBS News report the midterm elections are scheduled for Tuesday.
  • The Guardian reports Stevens' endorsement shift followed a dispute over a political ad regarding military support for Israel's war on Gaza.

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