Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed raised eyebrows with a comment about Arabs in America during a speech following his election victory.
The first Muslim elected to the United States Senate spoke to a crowd in Washington, D.C., where he accentuated the pronunciation of his name and emphasized identity politics, giving a nod to the Arab American and Muslim population in Michigan.
“I’m honored to be the next United States senator from the great state of Michigan,” he said to cheers.
Abdul Muhammad El-Sayed hasn’t even been sworn in and he’s already sorting voters by background.
— King of X (@KingOffX_) November 7, 2026
“Which, of course, I know we’re here in D.C., which, of course, is the capital of the United States of America,” he added, “but Michigan is the capital of Arab America.”
The son of Egyptian immigrants and an unapologetic Muslim, El-Sayed defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Mike Rogers this week. Before even being sworn in, he has reportedly launched his own political action committee, naming it the Habibi PAC.
“The leadership PAC, a committee not connected to his campaign and meant to raise money for his political allies, is the latest sign that El-Sayed aims to influence Democratic politics into the future. El-Sayed has used the word Habibi, an Arabic term of endearment meaning ‘my beloved’ but often used more casually, to address his opponents in the wake of Tuesday’s win,” The Hill reported.
“Arabic terminology and culture were present throughout the El-Sayed campaign as he pushed to become the first Muslim U.S. senator. Supporters often wore ‘Habibi for Abdul’ shirts on the campaign trail,” the outlet added.
This has been the most rewarding, exhilarating, and exhausting 19 months of my life and I wouldn’t have it any other way. None of this is possible without all of you — the people. The people who knocked doors, canvassed, made phone calls, sent texts, volunteered, donated, shared a social media post, spread the word, and voted. This is OUR seat. I’m going to make you proud.
Thank you, Michigan!
— Dr. Abdul El-Sayed (@AbdulElSayed) November 4, 2026
El-Sayed’s quip about the capital of Arab America drew plenty of criticism on X:
An American senator doesn’t designate territories within his own country as “capitals” of another civilization; That is the language of conquest, not of citizenship.
If Michigan is “Arab America,” then America no longer exists.
All that remains are enclaves fighting over who is…
— Miguel 🌐 (@vaisih) November 7, 2026
What a great victory for the 97% of Michigan who are not Arabs and will be well represented by this obsessed clown.
— Sydney (@Sydneynikrah) November 7, 2026
you can hear the “what the fuck?” when he says it… too late Michigan, dumbasses
— Steve (@StratOvan1969) November 7, 2026
Everything about this speech is treasonous
— CKERZ (@KerzanChris) November 7, 2026
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
- DeSantis explains why ‘screaming socialism’ doesn’t work for GOP - November 7, 2026
- Trump says do nothing GOP-led Senate ‘is killing our country’ - November 7, 2026
- Miller pledges ‘absolute loyalty’ in first remarks as chief of staff, says Trump ‘saved America’ - November 7, 2026
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.