Trump's 9/11 reference sparks criticism during Michigan Senate campaign event
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President Donald Trump faced criticism after invoking the September 11 attacks while speaking about Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at a rally in Michigan.
President Donald Trump drew criticism after a rally in Michigan where he referenced the September 11 attacks while attacking Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Trump called El-Sayed a "jihadist" and suggested he would need to pass through a metal detector before entering the Senate chamber. He also introduced a guest speaker as the father of a passenger who resisted the hijackers on United Flight 93.
El-Sayed responded at his own event, saying he would be addressed as "Senator Mohamed" and noted that focusing on his name and faith ignored broader economic concerns such as gas prices and healthcare. Senator Bernie Sanders added, "The reason they are using Islamophobia against Abdul is because they have nothing to say about the real issues."
The Michigan race, featuring El-Sayed against Republican Mike Rogers, is viewed as pivotal for control of Congress. El-Sayed, a former public-health official of Egyptian descent, would become the first Muslim senator if elected. He has denied any affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the administration.
Critics, including Bishara Bahbah, founder of Arab Americans for Trump, described Trump’s remarks as crossing a line and labeled them racist. The comments have intensified the already contentious campaign, with both sides highlighting past statements and affiliations related to the Muslim Brotherhood.