With Michigan’s open Senate race nearing its Nov. 3 vote, President Donald Trump called for a metal detector for Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, while Republican Mike Rogers left a question about his MAGA identity unanswered.
On NBC’s Meet the Press, host Kristen Welker returned to Rogers’ political identity during the interview. Rogers replied, “I’ve already answered the question, Kristen,” then turned to criticism of news coverage and El-Sayed. He gave no direct confirmation or denial of the MAGA label.
Another part of the interview concerned El-Sayed’s position on the Muslim Brotherhood. Rogers disputed Welker’s description of El-Sayed’s denial of ties to the group and said he had never called El-Sayed a terrorist. El-Sayed has denied a connection, while the Associated Press (AP) described Republican claims of a link as unsubstantiated. The exchange revisited a dispute over the candidates’ earlier town hall exchange about the group.
Later Sunday, Trump addressed the race at a rally in Port Huron. He said El-Sayed should pass through a metal detector before entering the Senate, adding, “I want him to have a metal detector.” Trump also repeated claims linking El-Sayed to the Muslim Brotherhood. The Trump 47 Committee’s event listing scheduled the rally at McMorran Place Arena for 3 p.m. EDT (19:00 UTC).
The Michigan Department of State’s official candidate listing names Rogers as the Republican candidate and El-Sayed as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat. The seat is open after Sen. Gary Peters said in 2025 that he would not seek reelection in 2026.
AP reported that Rogers lost his 2024 Senate race by about 19,000 votes, out of more than 5.5 million cast. The outlet said 1994 was the last year a Republican won a Senate race in Michigan.
Michigan’s general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.
