Trump Targets Democratic Candidates with Islamophobic Rhetoric at Final Midterm Rallies

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump utilized campaign rallies in Iowa and Kansas to deploy Islamophobic rhetoric and conspiracy theories targeting Democratic candidates, serving as his final traveling events ahead of the midterm elections.

The rallies, initially cancelled last week before being suddenly rescheduled, come as the United States approaches the November 3 midterm elections. According to reporting by Al Jazeera, polling suggests Democrats could potentially flip both Iowa and Kansas, adding high stakes to the closing days of the campaign cycle.

During the events, Trump repeated claims targeting Democratic US Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan, labeling him a “jihadist” and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Branches of the Muslim Brotherhood have been designated as foreign terrorist organisations by the US. Joking about El-Sayed’s potential election, Trump remarked that the Senate would need to install special metal detectors to scan him.

Trump also addressed other Democratic figures, attacking US Representative Ilhan Omar with repeated, unsubstantiated claims regarding her past marriages. In Kansas, where the state last elected a Democratic senator in 1932, Trump targeted Democratic Senate hopeful Adam Hamilton over his support for trans rights.

Additionally, Trump commented on cross-party dynamics, stating he would “love” Democratic Representative Haley Stevens to switch parties after she endorsed El-Sayed’s Republican opponent, Mike Rogers. Beyond candidate attacks, Trump’s speeches touched on broader national issues, including the US-Israel war on Iran, the cost of living, immigration, media bias, and the administration of Joe Biden.

The US midterm elections will take place on November 3.