President Donald Trump looked at a photo of Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed during a recent rally in Port Huron. Over the election cycle, Republicans have used divisive language towards Arab Americans, despite earlier outreach efforts.
Trump called El-Sayed a “jihadist,” aligning him with terrorists. He added El-Sayed would need a metal detector for Senate entry. Meanwhile, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. criticized Arabs at a campaign event, inaccurately stating they don’t contribute to science or literature.
Arab Americans, crucial in the 2024 elections, show shifting loyalties. In Dearborn, an Arab American-majority city, El-Sayed is seen as an “America First” candidate. His stance against unconditional aid to Israel and economic focus resonates with voters.
El-Sayed publicly embraced the “America First” identity through a campaign ad aired on Fox News and Newsmax. Mustapha El-Jaroudi, a Michigan voter who backed Trump twice, now supports El-Sayed. El-Jaroudi voices disappointment in Trump, labeling him a “con artist” for not staying true to the “no new wars” promise.
El-Jaroudi’s story reflects a broader shift among Arab Americans who felt disillusioned by Trump’s presidency and gravitate towards El-Sayed.
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