Full Breakdown
Rogers and Trump Intensify Muslim Brotherhood Claims in Michigan Senate Race
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Escalation of Allegations Ahead of Election
Less than two weeks before the November 3 senatorial election in Michigan, Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers and President Donald Trump have intensified efforts to link Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed to the Muslim Brotherhood. On October 23, Rogers and allies asserted that El-Sayed’s “family has long been MB” and that he receives money from groups supporting the Brotherhood, Hamas and Hezbollah.
Background & Context: Prior Ties and Campaign History
The Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist movement founded in Egypt in 1928, is designated as a terrorist organization by several governments, including the United States for some of its branches. Rogers’ attacks cite a 2012 letter signed by El-Sayed that backed Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi and social-media posts by El-Sayed’s half-sister acknowledging family connections. El-Sayed has repeatedly denied any personal or familial ties and has publicly disavowed the organization, including on “Meet the Press.”
Data & Statistics: Polls and Voter Demographics
- RealClearPolling.com aggregates show El-Sayed holding an average lead of 2.6 percentage points over Rogers.
- An Emerson College poll reported 81 percent support for El-Sayed among Black voters, who comprise roughly a quarter of Michigan Democrats.
- Pollster Jim Zogby of the Arab American Institute warned that the attacks may only influence a small “Republican group of people.”
Official Statements & Responses
- Mike Rogers framed the Brotherhood as a threat to American interests, arguing that alleged financial links raise “a thinking issue” for voters. He denied ever calling El-Sayed a terrorist.
- Kristen Welker, host of “Meet the Press,” challenged Rogers on the lack of evidence and noted El-Sayed’s denials.
- President Trump labeled El-Sayed a “jihadist” and demanded additional security screening, offering no supporting evidence.
- Abdul El-Sayed emphasized his pride in American citizenship and the Constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom, calling the line of questioning “shameful.”
- Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer criticized Rogers for “changing the conversation” and focusing on partisan issues rather than policies that affect voters’ lives.
Criticism & Opposition
Political consultant Dennis Darnoi said the strategy aims to deter Jewish and Black voters in Detroit, suggesting reduced turnout would benefit Rogers. Keith Williams, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party’s Black Caucus, argued the race is larger than intra-community tensions and urged unity against Trump’s agenda. Polling director Matt Taglia observed no measurable erosion of Black support for El-Sayed since September.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No, he has not, he dismissed the question ... I don't know why you give this guy a pass,” — Mike Rogers, spokesperson
- “I've never called him a terrorist,” — Mike Rogers, spokesperson
- “It gives them even more reason to pause and not vote for El-Sayed,” — Dennis Darnoi, Republican political consultant
- “If you are going to go to the United States Senate, we need to know: are you for America or are you for these terrorist groups overseas?” — Mike Rogers, spokesperson
What's Next
The contest will be decided on November 3, when Michigan voters choose between Rogers and El-Sayed for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by retiring Democrat Gary Peters. Both campaigns are expected to continue emphasizing their narratives—Rogers on national-security concerns and El-Sayed on economic and healthcare issues—through the final weeks of the race.