Story perspectives

Trump Calls Abdul El-Sayed “Jihadist” as Poll Tightens

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 10:34 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump called Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed “Mohammed” and a “jihadist”.
RealClearPolitics poll shows Abdul El-Sayed leading Republican Mike Rogers 48.1% to 45.5%.
Abdul El-Sayed said he absolutely disavows the Muslim Brotherhood when questioned.
O’Keefe Media Group released hidden-camera footage of a former Democratic campaign organizer discussing alleged foreign donors.
The Michigan Democratic Party said the organizer is no longer employed and that the allegations are false.

History

Historical Context

In the 2008 U.S. presidential election, rumors that Barack Obama was a Muslim sparked nationwide controversy, culminating in a 2008 Pew Research poll. The poll found 57 % of respondents believed the claim, and Fox News host Bill O'Reilly repeatedly labeled Obama a “Muslim extremist.” Similarly, in 2024 Michigan, Donald Trump branded Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed a “jihadist,” while O’Keefe Media Group released hidden-camera footage alleging foreign donor ties. These tactics echo past smear campaigns, reinforcing partisan polarization and prompting watchdog groups to demand stricter campaign-finance transparency.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump called Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed “Mohammed” and a “jihadist”.
RealClearPolitics poll shows Abdul El-Sayed leading Republican Mike Rogers 48.1% to 45.5%.
Abdul El-Sayed said he absolutely disavows the Muslim Brotherhood when questioned.
O’Keefe Media Group released hidden-camera footage of a former Democratic campaign organizer discussing alleged foreign donors.
The Michigan Democratic Party said the organizer is no longer employed and that the allegations are false.

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