First Muslim U.S. Senator Abdul El-Sayed Declares Michigan Capital of Arab America
Abdul El-Sayed made history as the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate, declaring Michigan the capital of Arab America while playfully jabbing at Donald Trump and JD Vance.
Abdul El-Sayed, who made history as the first Muslim ever elected to the United States Senate, declared Michigan "the capital of Arab America" during a speech in Washington, D.C. El-Sayed addressed questions regarding why he chose to use his full name during a tense political climate marked by hostility.
His response took direct aim at U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and his Republican opponent in Michigan, Mike Rogers. El-Sayed remarked that whether one's name is Mike, Donald, or whatever JD stands for, or Abdul, all of these names are fundamentally American names.
The newly elected senator deliberately used the Arabic term of endearment "habibi" to address Vice President JD Vance. During the heated campaign, Vance labeled El-Sayed as a very wicked person, while President Trump went further by referring to him as a jihadist. The irony of the situation is that when El-Sayed is sworn into office in January 2027, the ceremony is constitutionally presided over by the Vice President, meaning Vance will administer the oath.
El-Sayed, a physician and the son of Egyptian immigrants, previously served as health director for Detroit and Wayne County. His victory in Michigan during the 2026 midterm elections over Rogers came despite a smear-filled campaign and massive outside spending aimed at blocking his historic bid.
