Trump attacks Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed on social media after debate

President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform on Friday night to criticize Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate for the Michigan Senate seat, after El-Sayed participated in a televised debate with Republican Mike Rogers. In the post, Trump referred to El-Sayed by his middle name and alleged that the candidate holds extremist positions that are hostile to the United States.

El-Sayed, who is the son of Egyptian immigrants, responded on X, noting that Trump’s use of his middle name was intended to provoke anti-Muslim sentiment and that the attacks were directed at the broader community rather than just himself. He added that the president’s remarks distract from policy issues affecting voters.

The debate in Grand Rapids featured a heated exchange over Rogers’ past earnings as a pharmaceutical lobbyist and his campaign financing. Rogers defended his record, while El-Sayed questioned the influence of corporate donors, citing contributions to Rogers from telecommunications interests.

Both candidates are competing for the open Senate seat that will be vacated by retiring Democrat Gary Peters, with the November 3 midterm elections approaching.