US President Donald Trump is facing strong criticism after invoking the September 11 attacks during a speech targeting Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the US Senate in Michigan.
Speaking at a rally in Michigan on Sunday, Trump called El-Sayed “a jihadist” and made claims about his faith and political views. Trump also warned that El-Sayed would need to pass through a metal detector before entering the Senate if elected.
The comments sparked accusations of Islamophobia. Critics said Trump was using fear and religion to attack a political rival ahead of a close election.
El-Sayed responded at a separate rally, where he challenged Trump’s decision to use his middle name, Mohamed, when referring to him.
“I’ll be Senator Mohamed to you, bro,” El-Sayed said.
The Democratic candidate also argued that the attacks were meant to distract voters from the cost of living and other daily concerns.
“They think that by pointing at my name and my faith, that somehow you’re going to ignore the fact that you can’t afford your gas or your groceries, can’t see a doctor,” he said.
The exchange has added to the bitter tone of Michigan’s Senate contest. The race is set for November 3 and is expected to be among the closest contests in the midterm elections.
Trump invokes September 11 attacks
Trump brought a reference to the September 11, 2001, attacks into his criticism of El-Sayed. During the rally, he introduced the father of Todd Beamer, a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93.
Beamer was among the passengers who fought back against the hijackers. The plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania after the passengers tried to regain control.
Trump used the appearance as he accused El-Sayed and Democrats of putting the country at risk.
“If Abdul and the Democrats win, they will open the floodgates and invite hordes of jihadis to our shores, creating a nightmare of violence and terror until you cannot even have a Christmas,” Trump said.
He also made claims about El-Sayed and his family, including an allegation that the candidate was linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. The source material provides no evidence to support that claim.
Trump’s remarks drew criticism from people who said the president was using the memory of the attacks to cast suspicion on a Muslim candidate. El-Sayed was born in the United States to Egyptian parents and has denied any connection to extremist groups.
The controversy comes as debates about immigration, religion and national security remain central to US politics.
Sanders defends El-Sayed
Senator Bernie Sanders appeared with El-Sayed and accused Trump’s allies of using anti-Muslim rhetoric because they could not answer the candidate’s policy arguments.
“The reason they are using Islamophobia against Abdul is because they have nothing to say about the real issues,” Sanders said.
El-Sayed, a former public health official, has sought to focus his campaign on household costs, health care and economic pressure. He argues that attacks on his name and faith do not address the problems facing voters.
His supporters say the latest remarks show how religious identity can become a target during a high-stakes political contest. They have urged voters to judge candidates on their policies rather than their background.
Trump and Republican candidate Mike Rogers have both attacked El-Sayed during the campaign. El-Sayed has dismissed previous accusations and rejected claims that he has ties to extremist groups.
A close race for control of the Senate
El-Sayed is challenging Rogers in a race that could help determine which party controls Congress after the midterm elections. The Senate seat is currently held by a Democrat and is considered one of a small number of contests that could shape the balance of power.
If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim member of the US Senate. His candidacy has drawn attention beyond Michigan as the campaign has become a test of how candidates address identity, security and political division.
The race has grown increasingly hostile as both parties seek to mobilize voters before November 3. Michigan is a key battleground, and the outcome could influence the national political landscape.
Trump’s remarks have also renewed debate over the use of Islamophobic language in election campaigns. Critics say such comments risk deepening distrust and encouraging prejudice against Muslim Americans. Supporters of Trump may view his remarks as part of a wider argument about national security, but the allegations against El-Sayed remain disputed.
For El-Sayed, the challenge is to keep voters focused on his policy plans while responding to attacks on his background. His campaign has argued that issues such as fuel prices, food costs and access to health care matter more to families than the candidate’s name or faith.
With the election approaching, the dispute is likely to remain part of Michigan’s Senate contest. The result could affect both the balance of power in Washington and the wider debate over religion and political rhetoric in the United States.
