Trump targets Michigan's El-Sayed with anti-Muslim attacks
Why it matters: The clash sharpens a Senate race that could help decide chamber control and tests Trump's standing with Arab American voters.
President Donald Trump intensified anti-Muslim attacks on Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at a rally in Port Huron on Sunday, calling the Democrat a “jihadist” and questioning his loyalty to the United States. El-Sayed, a former Detroit health official, has denied any ties to extremist groups and called attacks on his loyalty shameful. The remarks drew condemnation from Bishara Bahbah, founder of Arab Americans for Trump, who said the president's comments were racist and crossed a red line. Trump made the remarks as Republicans fight to hold the seat in a contest against Democrat Mike Rogers that could help determine Senate control.