US President Donald Trump has intensified his attacks on Michigan democratic senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, claiming that the politician wants the United States to adopt Sharia law and vowing to oppose such a move.Speaking at a campaign rally in Port Huron, Michigan, on Sunday, Trump accused El-Sayed of having links to the Muslim Brotherhood and described him as a threat to national security. He also questioned whether the Democratic candidate should be allowed to serve in the US Congress.Trump also suggested that El-Sayed should undergo additional security screening if elected to the US Congress, saying he would be the only senator required to pass through a metal detector before entering the chamber.The remarks came as Trump campaigned for Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, in which El-Sayed is seeking a seat in the US Senate.
Trump questions El-Sayed’s eligibility for Senate
During his speech, Trump repeatedly referred to El-Sayed by variations of the name “Mohammed” and accused him of supporting extremist causes. He also alleged that the candidate’s associations raised concerns about his access to sensitive national security information.“So Abdul… also wants our country to go to Sharia law, and if he ever pulls that off, he should be the first one that’s tried. I’ll be a witness,” Trump said, apparently imagining El-Sayed being tried in a religious court.At several points during the rally, attendees shouted “traitor” whenever El-Sayed’s name came up.“I’m here to keep a jihadist Muslim Brotherhood member from becoming a United States senator,” Trump said.Trump’s accusations included claims about El-Sayed’s alleged links to the Muslim Brotherhood. The candidate has denied having ties to the organisation, and reports have noted that evidence establishing such an affiliation has not been presented.The US president’s comments have drawn criticism from opponents, who have accused him of targeting El-Sayed’s Muslim faith and using religious identity as a political weapon during the election campaign.
