Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) on Thursday sharply criticized President Trump's latest attack on Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, calling it "bigoted bulls---." In a post on X, Schumer wrote that El-Sayed is "on the road to being the next Senator from Michigan no matter how much bigoted bulls--- a weak and desperate Donald Trump throws at him."
The rebuke came after Trump, late Wednesday, took to Truth Social to denigrate El-Sayed, who won the Democratic primary in August. Trump referred to El-Sayed as "Mohammed El-Sayed" and labeled him a "terrible Candidate" for the "Dumocrats," a pejorative nickname he often uses for the party. The president also claimed El-Sayed, a Muslim American, is a "RADICAL Extremist" and a "Terrorist Sympathizer."
El-Sayed, born in Michigan to Egyptian immigrants, is running against former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.). The race has drawn national attention, with midterm enthusiasm potentially playing a key role.
In response to Trump's remarks, El-Sayed fired back on Thursday, saying the president "knows my name is Abdul." He added, "He says it everyday. But he's not just attacking me. He's attacking all of us. He thinks so low of us." El-Sayed further accused Trump of using his name and faith to distract from the economic pain his policies have caused, pointing to "suffering at the pump, at the grocery store, and at the doctor's office."
Trump has repeatedly targeted El-Sayed since his primary victory, often invoking his Muslim faith. In August, Trump posted a split-screen image comparing himself and first lady Melania Trump with El-Sayed and his wife, Dr. Sarah Jukaku, who wears a hijab, captioning it "Two VERY DIFFERENT America's."
Earlier this week, El-Sayed challenged Trump to campaign directly for Rogers in Michigan, saying the Republican nominee "can't speak for himself." Speaking to MSNBC's "All In," El-Sayed addressed the president directly: "Clearly, you are the answer, and you should tell everybody why they should imagine you on the ballot."
According to Decision Desk HQ, a data partner of The Hill, El-Sayed holds a 69 percent chance of defeating Rogers. Early voting has already begun in some Michigan communities and will be available statewide starting Oct. 24. The race is seen as a bellwether for voter enthusiasm ahead of the midterms.
The exchange between Trump and El-Sayed underscores the high stakes in Michigan, where both parties are vying for control of the Senate. Democrats are hoping to hold the seat, while Republicans see an opportunity to flip it. The president's attacks have drawn criticism from Democrats and some independents, who view them as divisive and inflammatory.
El-Sayed's campaign has sought to focus on kitchen-table issues, including healthcare and the economy, while Trump's rhetoric has dominated headlines. The outcome in Michigan could hinge on whether voters are swayed by Trump's attacks or by the policy contrasts between the candidates.
