President Donald Trump intensified attacks against Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, accusing him of being a “jihadist” and suggesting he would require a metal detector to enter the Senate. The remarks came during a rally in Michigan supporting Republican candidate Mike Rogers, who has also alleged, without evidence, that El-Sayed is connected to the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Sayed, a US-born former public health administrator, dismissed the attacks as distractions from issues like gas prices and the war on Iran, and stated there is no evidence supporting the claims against him.
At a rally on Sunday, Trump likened voting against El-Sayed to the actions of passengers on United Flight 93 on September 11th, urging Michigan to “stand up and fight” against a “jihadist” entering the Capitol. He also suggested El-Sayed would be the only senator needing a metal detector. Rogers, during a debate, claimed El-Sayed was “bought off by the Muslim Brotherhood.” El-Sayed has repeatedly denied any affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood or any foreign organization, and has characterized the rhetoric as “shameful.”
El-Sayed responded to the attacks at a news conference in Detroit, calling them “deflections and deceptions” meant to divert attention from issues impacting Americans’ daily lives. He dismissed Trump’s suggestion of a physical threat, joking about “Wolverine claws”, a reference to the University of Michigan’s mascot. He argued that most Michiganders reject such attacks and believe in an inclusive vision for the state. El-Sayed also pointed out that his name and faith are not responsible for economic hardships. The race between El-Sayed and Rogers is considered close and could determine Senate control.
Our reading is that President Trump and his allies are employing highly charged rhetoric, specifically the accusation of “jihadist” affiliation, in an attempt to discredit a political opponent. The comparison to the events of 9/11 and the suggestion of requiring a metal detector are demonstrably inflammatory and appear designed to evoke fear and prejudice. While El-Sayed denies these claims, the repeated nature of these attacks suggests a deliberate strategy to define him negatively in the eyes of voters.
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