Story perspectives

Trump Backs Mike Rogers After Muslim Brotherhood Accusations

By Drooid · Oct 26, 2026, 2:22 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump rallied in Port Huron, Michigan, backing Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Oct. 25, 2026.
Trump repeatedly called Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed a Muslim Brotherhood member and “jihadist,” which El-Sayed denies.
Trump suggested screening El-Sayed with a metal detector before Senate sessions.
Former President Barack Obama rallied Democrats in Detroit on Oct. 24, condemning attacks on El-Sayed’s patriotism.

History

Historical Context

In October 2008, a poll of Orange County Republicans found about one-third believed Barack Obama was not a natural-born citizen, launching the birther movement that later propelled Donald Trump as its face. The same identity-based smearing reappeared in October 2026 when Trump denounced Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed as a Muslim Brotherhood affiliate, echoing the Republican Party’s long-standing tactic of weaponizing personal background for political gain.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump rallied in Port Huron, Michigan, backing Senate candidate Mike Rogers on Oct. 25, 2026.
Trump repeatedly called Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed a Muslim Brotherhood member and “jihadist,” which El-Sayed denies.
Trump suggested screening El-Sayed with a metal detector before Senate sessions.
Former President Barack Obama rallied Democrats in Detroit on Oct. 24, condemning attacks on El-Sayed’s patriotism.

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