Key facts
- Trump urged Michigan voters to oppose Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
- Trump compared El-Sayed to the September 11 attackers.
- Trump claimed El-Sayed wants the US to adopt Sharia law.
Trump invokes 9/11 in urging Michigan voters to oppose Muslim Senate candidate
IN SHORT
President Donald Trump urged Michigan voters to oppose Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, labeling him a "Jihadist Member of the Muslim Brotherhood" and comparing him to the September 11 attackers. Speaking at a rally on Sunday, Trump claimed Democrats would allow violent extremists into the US and demanded El-Sayed undergo metal detector screening if elected. El-Sayed, who is Muslim, has denied the allegations and stated he would uphold the US Constitution.
Key Numbers
50percent for El-Sayed among likely Michigan voters
48percent for Mike Rogers among likely Michigan voters
Who's Involved
Donald Trump
US President urging voters to oppose Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed
Abdul El-Sayed
Michigan Senate candidate accused by Trump of Muslim Brotherhood links
Mike Rogers
Republican candidate for Michigan Senate
Todd Beamer
Michigan native invoked by Trump in comparison to El-Sayed
↳ Why This Matters
President Trump's rhetoric in a key Senate race highlights ongoing political divisions and the use of national security and religious identity in campaign messaging ahead of the November midterm elections.