U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, questioning his political views and accusing him of being a radical jihadist in remarks that have drawn attention to the increasingly confrontational nature of the 2026 Senate race.
In comments attributed to Trump, the president mocked the candidate’s name, saying he preferred to call him “Mohammed” despite being told that the candidate’s name was Abdul. Trump reportedly insisted that, as president, he could call him whatever he wanted.
Trump went further, describing El-Sayed as a “radical jihadist” and arguing that Michigan voters should not elect someone he characterised in those terms to the United States Senate.
“The guy is a jihadist. Look at his statements from two years ago. I don’t want a jihadist as a senator from Michigan,” Trump said, according to the circulating remarks.
The president also made a statement about wanting “Michiganders by a lot,” apparently referring to his preference for a decisive political outcome in the state. The exact wording of that portion of the remarks remains unclear.
The comments reflect the growing political tensions surrounding Michigan’s Senate contest, where questions of ideology, national identity, immigration, and the candidates’ public statements have become part of the broader campaign debate.
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