US President Donald Trump is facing criticism after invoking the September 11 attacks during a rally in Michigan, where he launched a sharp attack on Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Trump called El-Sayed “a jihadist” and warned that his election could bring security threats to the United States. He also suggested that El-Sayed would have to pass through a metal detector before entering the Senate.
The comments drew accusations of Islamophobia from critics, who said Trump was using the candidate’s Muslim faith to create fear during a key election campaign.
El-Sayed pushed back against the remarks at a separate rally. He said Trump was trying to make his name and religion the focus of the race instead of discussing issues that affect American families.
“I’ll be Senator Mohamed to you, bro,” El-Sayed said, responding to Trump’s use of his middle name.
The Democratic candidate also pointed to rising costs and access to medical care as issues that deserve more attention.
“They think that by pointing at my name and my faith, that somehow you’re going to ignore the fact that you can’t afford your gas or your groceries, can’t see a doctor,” he said.
The dispute has added to the sharp tone of Michigan’s Senate race. El-Sayed is running against Republican candidate Mike Rogers in an election set for November 3. The contest is expected to be one of the closest races in the midterm elections.
Trump brings up September 11
During Sunday’s rally, Trump used the memory of the September 11, 2001, attacks to support his criticism of El-Sayed and Democrats.
He introduced the father of Todd Beamer, a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93, as a guest speaker. Beamer was among the passengers who fought back against the hijackers before the plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.
Trump then warned that a Democratic victory would allow more people he described as extremists to enter the country.
“If Abdul and the Democrats win, they will open the floodgates and invite hordes of jihadis to our shores, creating a nightmare of violence and terror until you cannot even have a Christmas,” Trump said.
He also made allegations about El-Sayed and his family, including a claim that the candidate was a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. The supplied report did not provide evidence to support that allegation.
El-Sayed, who was born in the United States to Egyptian parents, has denied any connection to extremist groups. His supporters argue that the attacks focus on his background rather than his plans for the state.
The remarks have renewed debate about how religion and national security are used in American politics. Critics say linking a Muslim candidate to terrorism without evidence can increase prejudice against Muslim Americans.
Sanders criticizes the attacks
Senator Bernie Sanders joined El-Sayed at a campaign event and accused Trump’s allies of using anti-Muslim rhetoric because they lacked answers on major policy issues.
“The reason they are using Islamophobia against Abdul is because they have nothing to say about the real issues,” Sanders said.
Sanders’ comments reflected the Democratic campaign’s effort to shift attention toward economic concerns. El-Sayed has highlighted the cost of fuel, groceries and health care as key issues for voters.
The candidate is a former public health official. He has faced criticism from both Trump and Rogers but has dismissed accusations linking him to extremist groups.
The latest exchange has made an already tense contest more bitter. Both parties are working to win voters in Michigan, a state that could play an important role in deciding control of Congress.
A close contest with national stakes
The Senate seat is currently held by a Democrat and is viewed as one of a small number of races that could determine the balance of power in the chamber.
If elected, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim member of the US Senate. His campaign has gained national attention as debates over identity, immigration and security shape the election.
For Democrats, keeping the seat could be important to their efforts to retain influence in Washington. Republicans hope to use the race to strengthen their position in the Senate.
The dispute over Trump’s comments may affect how voters view the candidates. Critics say the president’s remarks rely on religious stereotypes and risk deepening divisions. His supporters may view them as part of his wider message on immigration and national security.
El-Sayed has argued that voters should judge him by his policies and record rather than his faith or name. He is seeking to keep the campaign focused on the cost of living, health care and the needs of Michigan families.
With the November 3 election approaching, the race is likely to remain under national scrutiny. Its outcome could help shape the balance of power in Congress and influence the wider debate over religion and political rhetoric in the United States.
