Donald Trump Calls Michigan Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed a Jihadist

President Donald Trump called Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed a "jihadist" and a "radical extremist" during a campaign rally in Georgia. Trump mocked El-Sayed's name and alleged he had ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

In response, El-Sayed released a campaign advertisement titled "Prayer" that emphasizes his Muslim faith. He argued that his religious beliefs do not conflict with his commitment to the U.S. Constitution and denied any connection to the Muslim Brotherhood. On social media, El-Sayed criticized Trump's financial dealings with Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Sunny Hostin, co-host of ABC's "The View," condemned Trump's remarks as Islamophobic and despicable. Hostin highlighted El-Sayed's academic credentials, including a medical degree from Columbia University and a doctorate in public health from Oxford University, noting that he is running as a senator who happens to be Muslim.

El-Sayed is running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan against Republican Mike Rogers. A September 17 Washington Post–Schar School poll showed El-Sayed leading 48% to 45%, though the race remains within the margin of error. Former President Barack Obama is campaigning for El-Sayed in the final weeks of the election.