Donald Trump Targets Abdul El-Sayed During Michigan Campaign Event

President Donald Trump campaigned in Michigan on Sunday ahead of the November 3 midterm election, attacking Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. The Hill and The Independent reported that Trump said El-Sayed should have to pass through a metal detector to enter the Senate building. ABC News Politics and The Hill both reported that Trump criticized El-Sayed over alleged support for jihadists, with ABC News Politics quoting Trump stating that Republicans do not want a jihadist senator. [1][2][8]

ABC News Politics reported that El-Sayed, a former public health official, is running in the November 3 election to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. He faces Republican Mike Rogers, a former congressman backed by Trump, as Republicans attempt to win the open Senate seat. [2]

Separately, ABC News Politics reported that Attorney General Todd Blanche defended a Trump administration lawsuit concerning the Senate race in Alaska. The lawsuit seeks to block certification of the election results if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses his race. [4]

Blanche stated on Sunday that the legal action was necessary to prevent voter confusion in the midterm contest, according to ABC News Politics. Trump acknowledged on Friday that he instructed officials to bring the lawsuit, though Blanche stated Trump is not trying to overturn or meddle with the election outcome. [4]