Midterm Campaign: Trump targets Muslim candidates at Michigan rally
The president made specific remarks about Abdul El-Sayed in Port Huron, while poll data shows Democrats holding a lead in key states.
By Ana Castro ·
Donald Trump continued his high-frequency campaign schedule on Sunday by visiting Port Huron, Michigan, where he directed specific criticism at Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. The rally marked one of approximately one per day that the president has attended during the current midterm cycle. During his address, Trump labeled El-Sayed a 'jihadist' and suggested the candidate would require a metal detector to enter the Senate chamber. He linked this security concern to the passengers on United Flight 93 who fought back during the September 11 attacks.
El-Sayed would become the first Muslim senator if he wins his seat. Trump’s remarks add to a series of comments targeting Muslim figures in the administration and Congress. In a separate development, the Department of Justice conducted an early morning inquiry into the family immigration paperwork of Ilhan Omar, a Somali-born representative from Minnesota. Omar has stated she is confident she did nothing wrong. Trump has also promoted a claim that 98% of Somalis in the United States do not work, telling one crowd that they 'steal so much' and drive Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The president’s rally speeches have included detailed observations of the physical appearance of public figures. Speaking about Ohio Senator Jon Husted, Trump described Husted’s legs and back, comparing them to a 'pile of muscle.' He also mentioned falling in love with South Carolina Senator Tim Scott. In Michigan, Trump discussed the physique of rapper Nicki Minaj, stating that her appearance is 'hard to miss' and urging the audience to stand up.
Sharon Anderson, a 70-year-old resident of Etowah, Tennessee, has attended 81 Trump rallies since 2015. She expressed no concern regarding the president’s recent comments on physical appearance. Anderson noted that if a woman draws attention to her body, it is reasonable for others to notice. She dismissed the idea that Trump’s behavior has worsened, stating that he has not changed in her opinion. She also rejected concerns about the president’s mental health, noting that he speaks for between 90 and 105 minutes at every rally.
The president, who is 80 years old, has recently made guttural sounds during speeches that resemble a burp or hiccup. On Sunday, he published a 1,300-word post on social media regarding his relationship with comedian Bill Maher. In the post, Trump called Maher a 'COMPLETE AND TOTAL LOSER' and instructed him not to call again. Current midterm polling favors Democratic candidates in several key states. Barack Obama has also returned to the campaign trail, where he has criticized Trump’s use of gold in the White House, comparing the aesthetic to a Cheesecake Factory opened by Saddam Hussein.
The next scheduled events for the campaign will follow the president’s daily rally pace in the coming days. The election results will determine the makeup of the Senate and House of Representatives.
