Donald Trump attacks Abdul El Sayed at Iowa campaign rally

Donald Trump targeted Democratic United States Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed during a campaign rally in Dubuque, Iowa, on Sunday, ahead of Tuesday's midterm elections. According to the Guardian, Donald Trump repeatedly referred to Abdul El-Sayed as a jihadist and said Congress would need a special metal detector for him if he were elected. The Washington Examiner and NBC News reported that Donald Trump spoke in Iowa as part of a final push for Republicans. [1][2][8]

The remarks targeted an extremely close race in Michigan that could help determine which party controls the United States Senate, according to the Guardian. Donald Trump also praised Haley Stevens during the Iowa event for endorsing Republican candidate Mike Rogers. AP News reported that Donald Trump stated he would love for Haley Stevens to join the Republican Party. [1][6][8][9]

The Washington Examiner reported that Donald Trump had earlier canceled plans to attend campaign events in person before changing course to resume nationwide campaigning. PBS NewsHour reported that Donald Trump told the Iowa crowd that Republicans were on the verge of sweeping victories and promised to elect America first Republicans up and down the line. [2][7]

Abdul El-Sayed is an epidemiologist and public health administrator who is the Democratic nominee for the 2026 Senate election in Michigan. He served as executive director of the Detroit Health Department from 2015 to 2017 and later directed the Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services. As FTMQ News reported earlier, former President Barack Obama previously campaigned in Michigan to support his candidate bid. [10][13][14][15]

Fox News reported that Donald Trump also scheduled stops in Kansas as both major political parties make their final campaign push two days before Election Day. [5][8][9]