Trump calls El-Sayed 'jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member' in Michigan Senate race
Source: FRANCE 24 English · All FRANCE 24 English reports
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Summary
The FRANCE 24 segment covers Michigan's pivotal U.S. Senate race between Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim doctor and former public health official seeking to become the first Muslim senator, and Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman backed by Trump. It highlights how El-Sayed's faith has become central, with him redirecting focus to cost of living while Rogers portrays him as an extremist with ties to influencer Hasan Piker over controversial comments on Hamas, Israel, and 9/11. Both parties' presidents rallied in the state this weekend, with Trump calling El-Sayed a 'jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member.' Polls show a narrow El-Sayed lead; Democrats have spent over $70 million and Republicans $136 million.
Editorial Assessment
The broadcast accurately reports the closeness of the race, heavy spending, and specific rally rhetoric, which aligns with Trump's October 25 Port Huron appearance. However, viewers miss key context: multiple fact-checks confirm no direct evidence of El-Sayed's personal Muslim Brotherhood ties, though his half-sister's posts allege family connections and he signed a 2012 letter supporting Egyptian President Morsi. El-Sayed has disavowed the group and called 9/11 'craven,' but his criticism of Israel as 'not our friend' and past association with Piker—who said America 'deserved' 9/11 and Israel is worse than Hamas—have alarmed Jewish voters and provided legitimate grounds for Rogers' attacks beyond religion. The 'anti-Muslim' framing downplays policy differences on Israel and foreign policy that drive the controversy, potentially skewing perception toward viewing all scrutiny as bigotry in a race that could decide Senate control.
Key Moments
El-Sayed would be the first Muslim senator in US history
Confirmed across multiple outlets; he is Muslim and the race is for an open seat.
Rogers portrays El-Sayed as an extremist and anti-Jew with ties to Hassan who made controversial comments about Hamas, Israel, and 9/11
Piker (Hasan) has said America deserved 9/11, Israel is worse than Hamas, and made related remarks; Rogers has highlighted these associations and El-Sayed's Israel criticism.
Trump said he is there to keep a 'jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member' from becoming senator
Direct quote from Trump's October 25, 2026 rally in Port Huron, Michigan.
Most recent polls show El-Sayed with a narrow lead
Aggregates as of late October show El-Sayed leading 47-48% to Rogers' 44-46%, with leads ranging 1-6 points.
Democrats spent more than $70 million, Republicans $136 million
Figures appear to reference direct or partial spending; total race cost has exceeded $285 million including outside groups, with Republicans holding a spending edge.
Notable Concerns
- One-sided framing of attacks as purely anti-Muslim without balancing El-Sayed's Israel positions or Piker record
- Spending figures appear to undercount total outside money, which exceeds $200 million for the race
Sources Consulted
- Democratic candidate El-Sayed leads Michigan U.S. Senate race, new poll finds
- Fact check: No evidence Abdul El-Sayed ‘pledged support’ to Muslim Brotherhood
- Mike Rogers said Abdul El-Sayed didn’t disavow the Muslim Brotherhood. Video shows he did
- Rogers-El-Sayed US Senate race breaks Michigan spending record
- Trump invokes 9/11 in urging Michigan voters to oppose Muslim Senate candidate El-Sayed
- El-Sayed distances himself from Hasan Piker amid Jewish voter concerns
- Michigan Senate Race 2026: Rogers vs. El-Sayed Money Tracker