Abdul El-Sayed made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate after winning Michigan’s Senate race. During his victory speech, the newly elected senator also took aim at President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, responding to the criticism he faced throughout his campaign.
“You took a chance on the unlikeliest of candidates. You welcomed me in your homes, your churches, your synagogues.”
Those were some of the words Abdul El-Sayed shared with supporters during his victory speech late Tuesday, after his win in Michigan became clear.
The 42-year-old defeated former Republican congressman Mike Rogers in the contest for Michigan’s vacant Senate seat, securing one of the most closely watched victories of the 2026 midterm elections.
His victory also marked a historic milestone, making him the first Muslim elected to the United States Senate.
Although El-Sayed’s campaign ultimately ended in success, the journey was far from easy. He faced criticism and personal attacks from political opponents, including Donald Trump and JD Vance. Much of the controversy centered on his Muslim background and his name.
Donald Trump Branded Abdul El-Sayed a “Jihadist Lunatic” Before Midterms
During a campaign rally in Iowa on Sunday, just days before Election Day, Trump referred to El-Sayed as a “jihadist” and suggested he should have to pass through a metal detector before entering the Senate.
“If you vote for this jihadist lunatic that wants to destroy you, you’re crazy,” Trump said, according to The Guardian.
El-Sayed repeatedly argued that his political opponents were focusing on dividing Americans instead of addressing the everyday challenges people face, including the rising costs of gasoline and groceries.
The doctor and newly elected senator also criticized Trump’s administration, arguing that it had failed to address the concerns of ordinary Americans.
“They want an America that is too small for some of us,” El-Sayed said. “We know that America is big enough for all of us.”
Trump also described El-Sayed as a “communist” and made claims linking him to the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood.
El-Sayed Challenged Trump’s Metal Detector Demand With an Epstein Remark
El-Sayed did not let Trump’s metal detector comments go unanswered.
During a campaign rally at Western Michigan University, he directly addressed the president’s remarks and responded with a pointed challenge.
“He said that I should have to go through a metal detector. That’s all right, man, he took that Wolverine thing seriously. He knows I got claws.”
He then turned the comment into a challenge involving a lie detector test.
“But here’s the deal, Donald. Listen. I’ll go through a metal detector if you’ll sit for a lie detector. Simple. I got nothing to hide. You’ve got so much to hide,” El-Sayed added.
His remarks referenced Trump’s past association with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
El-Sayed continued by suggesting two questions he would want answered during such a test.
“My first question. Epstein. Second question. Did you win the 2020 election? So that’s the deal. I’ll go through a metal detector every day. You sit through a lie detector one time. That’s the deal.”
Abdul El-Sayed Mocks Trump With a Pointed Message Amid Senate Victory
Trump had repeatedly criticized and mocked El-Sayed during the final days of the campaign, including making remarks about his name. At one rally, the president referred to him as “Mohammed.”
But during his victory speech, El-Sayed delivered a response that directly addressed the attacks against his identity.
After celebrating his historic achievement, he first directed a pointed message toward Vice President JD Vance.
“Habibi, there is this delicious irony in the fact that you’re constitutionally obligated to swear me in, in January,” El-Sayed said.
He then turned his attention to President Trump.
“Donald, I know you struggled with my name. So after JD swears me in in January, you can just go on and call me ‘Senator,’” he added.
The remarks drew attention because they directly addressed the personal criticism El-Sayed had faced throughout his campaign while emphasizing his place in American public life.
Donald Trump had not publicly responded to the senator-elect’s victory-speech remarks at the time of publication.
Abdul El-Sayed to Trump:
Donald, look, I know you struggled with my name. So after JD swears me in in January, you can just go on and call me Senator. https://t.co/47FD4QMYUa
— Clash Report (@clashreport) November 4, 2026
What do you think about the 2026 midterm elections and Abdul El-Sayed’s historic victory? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
