Democratic Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Accused of Blaming U.S. for Terrorism

Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed, the Democratic candidate who recently won Michigan’s U.S. Senate nomination, is under fire for a 2025 speech in which he suggested that U.S. policies contribute to the rise of terrorism. In the clip, he argued that America’s breach of a rules-based order fuels resentment and that understanding the motivations behind violent acts requires examining U.S. behavior abroad. The footage, initially reported in April, has been revived as his campaign advances.

Opponents contend that his comments minimize the brutality of extremist attacks and shift blame onto the United States. The article also points out his friendship with progressive podcaster Hasan Piker, known for claiming America “deserved” the 9/11 attacks. The controversy highlights tensions within the Democratic Party over foreign-policy rhetoric and national-security positioning.