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Trump calls El-Sayed 'jihadist' at Michigan rally for Rogers

At a Port Huron rally backing Mike Rogers, Trump called El-Sayed a 'jihadist'; El-Sayed denies Muslim Brotherhood ties.

Updated Oct 26, 2026 · 00:16 UTC4 reports

The short version

Key facts

  • Trump held a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, supporting Republican Mike Rogers against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed in the Senate race to succeed retiring Senator Gary Peters.[The Washington Sun · NBC News · Associated Press]
  • Trump called El-Sayed a 'jihadist' and a 'Muslim Brotherhood member' at the rally.[The Washington Sun · NBC News]
  • Rogers told NBC's Meet the Press that he has never called El-Sayed a terrorist.[The Washington Sun · NBC News]
  • El-Sayed has denied any ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and has denounced the group.[The Washington Sun · NBC News]
  • Former President Barack Obama campaigned in Michigan on Saturday for Democratic candidates, including El-Sayed.[The Washington Sun · BBC News · Associated Press]
  • Rapper Nicki Minaj joined Trump onstage at the Michigan rally and expressed support for him and Republican candidates.[BBC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The outcome of the Nov. 3 Senate race is unknown, and the contest is described as a dead heat.[NBC News]
  • Trump's characterizations of El-Sayed are contested: El-Sayed denies Muslim Brotherhood ties, and Rogers says he never called him a terrorist.[The Washington Sun · NBC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.