Trump stages Michigan rally to inflame Senate race and spread anti-Muslim smears
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President Donald Trump held a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, backing Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers as the state’s closely watched Senate contest drew national attention. The event mixed celebrity appearances with harsh attacks on Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, while left-wing protesters gathered outside and Barack Obama campaigned in Detroit for El-Sayed the day before.
President Donald Trump arrived in Port Huron, Michigan, on Sunday afternoon for a campaign rally that featured rapper Nicki Minaj and other Republican figures. In a pre-rally post on Truth Social, Trump accused Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed of ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and warned that El-Sayed would support sharia law if implemented in the United States.
"Heading to Michigan to fight a Jihadist Member of the Muslim Brotherhood — A man who should never be allowed inside the Halls of our Great and Beautiful Capital Building, in Washington, D.C.," Trump wrote.
Trump also tried to sell his familiar economic mythology, boasting about the auto industry and the preservation of Selfridge Air National Guard Base, and claiming credit for job growth in Michigan.
"Because of me, the Auto Industry is doing better than it has ever done before, with Plants and Factories being built, and expanded, all over the Country, especially in Michigan. I saved Selfridge Air Force Base when the Dumocrats were closing it down, saving thousands of Jobs," he said.
The rally was intended to boost Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, who is contesting El-Sayed for the seat formerly held by retiring Democrat Gary Peters. Rogers, a former U.S. representative, has emphasized his ties to the Trump administration and recent tariff actions against Canadian waste imports.
"I'm not even in office yet, but I called the administration and they announced tariffs on Canadian trash. That's what you get when you send somebody back who can work with the president," Rogers told NBC’s Meet the Press.
The event also drew protests from left-wing demonstrators outside the venue. Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama campaigned in Detroit the day before, supporting El-Sayed and urging voters to reject the Trump agenda.
"We got to flip that circuit breaker, bring some accountability to this government," Obama said at a rally in Detroit.
The Michigan Senate race is seen as a bellwether for control of the U.S. Senate, with Republicans holding a narrow 53-47 majority and Democrats needing a net gain of four seats to take control. Both parties are intensifying outreach to younger voters, with high-profile appearances by celebrities and former officials as the election approaches.