Obama backs El-Sayed in Michigan Senate race, Trump dismisses rally turnout

Former US president defends El-Sayed against attacks over Muslim identity, alleged ties to Muslim Brotherhood

Former United States president Barack Obama endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan on Saturday, defending him against attacks over his Muslim identity as President Donald Trump dismissed the rally's turnout.

Speaking before more than 4,300 supporters at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Obama backed El-Sayed, who faces Republican Mike Rogers in a closely contested Senate race ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

"Abdul is fighting for change, real change, change that will bring an end to this war," Obama said, referring to the US war against Iran.

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Obama also praised El-Sayed's proposals to reduce the influence of money in politics and expand access to affordable healthcare. He said the candidate would "finish the job we started" with the 2010 Affordable Care Act.

The former president defended El-Sayed against Republican attacks questioning his religious background and alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. He drew parallels with false claims about his own identity and religion during his presidential campaigns in 2007 and 2011.

"We have seen this movie before. I starred in it," Obama said. "This stuff didn't work on me. Not in Michigan, it's not going to work for Abdul," he added.

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Trump, speaking later Saturday at a Republican campaign rally in Perry, Georgia, mocked Obama's appearance and claimed the Detroit event had attracted almost no supporters. "You know, I saw Barack Hussein Obama was in Michigan, and the place was empty," Trump said, despite reports documenting thousands of attendees.

Trump and other Republicans have repeatedly accused El-Sayed of extremist affiliations, including links to the Muslim Brotherhood. El-Sayed has denied the allegations, and no credible evidence has emerged establishing such ties.

In a later post on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticised Obama's record of supporting unsuccessful Democratic presidential candidates, citing Hillary Clinton's defeat in 2016 and Kamala Harris' loss in 2024.

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/117499714815544938

"He said that Crooked Hillary Clinton was going to WIN, he campaigned hard for her, and she lost in all directions and ways. He then campaigned full out for Kamala, and likewise, she lost," Trump wrote.

Obama also campaigned for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson, who faces Republican Representative John James.

During the rally, Obama described the midterm elections as an opportunity to impose greater accountability on the Trump administration. "We got to flip that circuit breaker, bring some accountability to this government," he said.

Trump is scheduled to campaign in Michigan on Sunday in support of Republican candidates.