Trump tells Black and Jewish voters they would be ‘crazy’ to back Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate race

President Donald Trump stepped up his attacks on Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed on Thursday, telling Black and Jewish voters they would be “crazy” to support him as Republicans fight to hold control of the Senate.

“If you’re Black or if you’re Jewish, and if you vote for Abdul, you’re crazy,” Trump said during a campaign rally in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

El-Sayed, a Muslim physician and former Detroit health official, is running against Republican Mike Rogers in a closely contested Michigan race. Trump has repeatedly targeted El-Sayed in recent campaign appearances, including calling him a “jihadist” at a Michigan rally on Sunday. El-Sayed has denied extremist ties, and reporting by the Associated Press found no evidence that he is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood.

Trump was in South Carolina campaigning for Republican Sen. Darline Graham, whose race against Democrat Annie Andrews has become unexpectedly competitive ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections. He also used the rally to discuss contests in several other states.

Separately, Trump said Canada had been “treating us extremely nicely recently,” arguing that his tariffs had improved relations with the neighboring country. “They’re treating us extremely nicely lately,” he said.