US far-right spreads anti-Muslim smear campaign after Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan primary
The investigation mapped nearly 2,000 accounts that amplified a distorted video of El-Sayed saying “inshallah,” recasting a common Arabic phrase as evidence of a Muslim takeover. Influencers such as Benny Johnson and Laura Loomer labeled the candidate a “socialist Muslim,” while Republican figures and pro-Israel groups amplified claims of extremist ties. The narrative quickly escalated to warnings of “Sharia” and demographic invasion in cities like Hamtramck. Despite the attacks, El-Sayed emphasized his commitment to safety for Jewish Americans and broader policy goals, receiving praise from Democratic leaders.
Al one outlet’s analysis traced a rapid, orchestrated smear campaign on X following Abdul El-Sayed’s win in the Michigan Democratic Senate primary, focusing on a clipped phrase “inshallah” from his speech. Right-wing personalities, including Benny Johnson and Laura Loomer, framed the candidate as a “socialist Muslim,” while accounts such as End Wokeness reshared a mis-dated quote about “taking them to the mud.” The disinformation spread to accusations of a looming “Islamic communist takeover,” with references to Sharia law and an alleged demographic invasion of Hamtramck.
Pro-Israel organizations and Republican politicians, notably Ted Cruz and Donald Trump, amplified the narrative, linking El-Sayed to groups like CAIR and suggesting extremist affiliations. El-Sayed responded by stressing his dedication to Jewish safety and universal policies on education, health care and jobs, drawing commendations from Bernie Sanders, Ken Martin, and Elizabeth Warren. Nonetheless, commentators warned he would remain a target of ongoing MAGA-driven smears.
Why it matters
The story shows how online disinformation can weaponize religion to influence U.S. elections and polarize voters.
How the sides frame it
LOW AGREEMENTLeft-leaning coverage frames the story as a coordinated far-right anti-Muslim smear campaign, while right-leaning coverage frames it as evidence of extremist and foreign (Iranian) ties and radicalization.
LEFT
Frames the story as a far-right, orchestrated anti-Muslim smear campaign
RIGHT
Frames the story as exposing alleged Iranian-backed religious links and promotion of a radicalization book
The left emphasises
- right-wing personalities framed the candidate as a “socialist Muslim”
- mis-dated quote about “taking them to the mud” and accusations of an “Islamic communist takeover”
- Republican politicians and pro-Israel groups amplified the narrative
The right emphasises
- ties to a network of mosques and clerics linked to Iran’s government
- launch of a $20 million mosque and a donor who served as an ideological officer for Iran’s navy
- promotion of the book “Let This Radicalize You,” described as endorsing violent resistance
In this story