Rogers and El-Sayed Clash Over Allegations

Republican candidate Mike Rogers has faced scrutiny concerning his previous openness to dialogue with the Muslim Brotherhood. Amid ongoing attacks on his Democratic rival, Abdul El-Sayed, Rogers is scrutinizing El-Sayed’s alleged connections to the group as Michigan’s November 3 election approaches.

During an interview on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press,’ host Kristen Welker questioned Rogers about President Donald Trump’s derogatory remarks on El-Sayed. She challenged the evidence supporting the allegations and confronted Rogers about his 2012 comments endorsing discussions with certain Muslim Brotherhood members.

Rogers avoided directly answering Welker’s questions, instead focusing his arguments on El-Sayed’s political links and asserting that the Muslim Brotherhood is a threat to U.S. interests. Attacks on El-Sayed over the organization have intensified, with Trump accusing him of supporting the group. El-Sayed has denied any ties and refutes claims that his background or religion questions his loyalty to the U.S.

The Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group formed in Egypt in 1928, varies in its designation worldwide. Some governments identify it or its branches as terrorist entities, while others do not.

In 2026, the U.S. declared the Egyptian, Jordanian, and Sudanese branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as Specially Designated Global Terrorists and the Lebanese branch as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, alongside the Specially Designated Global Terrorist label.

Contact was made with El-Sayed’s team for comments on Sunday.

Rogers Pressed Over Trump’s Allegations

Welker initiated their discussion by addressing Trump’s attack labeling El-Sayed as a “Muslim Brotherhood jihadist” who is hostile toward Jews, Blacks, and Americans. Welker noted the absence of evidence for these claims when querying Rogers.

Rogers did not directly respond but claimed El-Sayed received funds from groups affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood.

Welker countered, reiterating El-Sayed had denied ties and publicly denounced the organization. She also mentioned a 2012 letter by El-Sayed supporting Egyptian protestors, distinguishing it from support for the Muslim Brotherhood.

The focus then shifted to Rogers’ past advocacy for engaging moderate Muslim Brotherhood members. Rogers avoided directly addressing his 2012 stance, suggesting his remarks aligned with protecting intelligence ties between Israel and Egypt, which the Brotherhood has reportedly aimed to unravel.

Rogers reiterated concerns regarding El-Sayed’s political connections, positioning his security credentials against what he deems El-Sayed’s radical ties. The clash asserts itself as a key component of Michigan’s Senate race, with Republican hopes to retain Senate control.

El-Sayed Responds With Campaign Ad

El-Sayed utilized humor against attacks, releasing an advertisement mocking Rogers’ relationship with Trump by portraying Rogers as eager to align with the president.