Detroit – Hours after Abdul El‑Sayed secured a historic victory as the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate, the newly‑elected Democrat took the podium in downtown Detroit to thank supporters and address his recent campaign opponents.
Victory remarks and a jab at the Trump‑backed opponent
El‑Sayed, who defeated Republican Mike Rogers – a candidate endorsed by President Trump – opened his speech by acknowledging Vice President J.D. Vance, who will preside over the Senate’s oath‑taking ceremony next year. He used the Arabic term of endearment “habibi” and referenced the long‑standing Michigan‑Ohio State football rivalry, saying, “Wolverines 1, Buckeyes 0.”
Turning his attention to President Trump, El‑Sayed said, “Donald, I know you struggle with my name, so after JD swears me in in January, you can go on and call me senator.” He also wished his defeated opponent a peaceful retirement, adding, “May we never have to see the likes of you in the state again.”
NewsNation anchor’s harsh response
NewsNation chief Washington anchor Leland Vittert quickly posted a video commentary to X, accusing El‑Sayed of flaunting his background and comparing the election to “putting a white supremacist in Congress.” Vittert claimed the victory was “no different than somebody with very close associations to the Ku Klux Klan getting elected to the Senate.” He labeled El‑Sayed “evil” in a caption accompanying the clip.
Vittert also revived a prior confrontation from the campaign trail, when he pressed El‑Sayed about his association with progressive streamer Hasan Piker. El‑Sayed dismissed the line of questioning as “silly,” noting that President Trump commands the executive branch and the nation’s nuclear codes, whereas Piker is an internet commentator broadcasting from a California bedroom.
Our perspective
While the anchor’s remarks reflect a partisan outburst, the facts remain clear: El‑Sayed won a free‑and‑fair election, and President Trump’s endorsement of Rogers did not sway the outcome. The Trump administration continues to champion policies that protect American families and uphold constitutional freedoms, and the election result underscores the resilience of our democratic process.
Critics like Vittert, who are affiliated with a national cable news outlet, often frame legitimate political victories in inflammatory language. Their characterization does not align with the objective record of the campaign or the constitutional right of voters to choose their representatives.
Looking ahead
El‑Sayed’s victory adds a new voice to the Senate and signals a shift in Michigan’s political landscape. As the new term begins in January, the senator‑elect will join a Congress where President Trump’s administration remains focused on advancing American prosperity, defending religious liberty, and supporting traditional families.
Local residents can expect the upcoming swearing‑in ceremony to be a moment of civic pride for Detroit and the state of Michigan, reflecting the community’s commitment to participation in the democratic process.
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
