US President Donald Trump has said the United States cannot allow the Muslim Brotherhood to gain influence within a political party, alleging that even a small number of votes could give the organisation leverage over its decisions.
“We have to get the Senate. We can’t allow the Muslim Brotherhood,” Trump told reporters on Sunday, November 1, during a campaign push for Republican candidates ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
Trump alleged that the organisation could use even “one or two or three votes” to gain control over a party and “blackmail” or “extort” it into following its demands. He did not provide evidence for the claim in his remarks.
Trump made the comments after arriving in Dubuque, Iowa, alongside US House Speaker Mike Johnson and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. He was campaigning for Republican Senate candidates Ashley Hinson in Iowa and Roger Marshall in Kansas, urging voters to support both as Republicans seek to retain control of the Senate.
“We have to make sure that Roger gets in, and we have to make sure that Ashley gets in,” Trump said. He was scheduled to conclude his campaign tour in Kansas.
Trump Targets Democratic Candidate Abdul El-Sayed
Trump’s remarks came amid his repeated attacks on Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who is running against Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan.
Trump has accused El-Sayed of having links to the Muslim Brotherhood and repeatedly described him as a “jihadist”. These allegations have not been established. Reuters has reported that Trump provided no evidence for his characterisation of El-Sayed.
During the Iowa appearance, Trump also suggested that a special metal detector would be required for El-Sayed if he entered the Senate.
The Michigan race has emerged as a focus of the Republican campaign, with Trump repeatedly criticising the Democratic candidate.
Trump Welcomes Haley Stevens’ Endorsement of Rogers
Trump also welcomed Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens’ endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan, describing the move as “a smart thing”.
Asked whether he would contact Stevens, Trump said he would call to thank her and added that he would welcome her joining the Republican Party.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he had spoken to Stevens and claimed that she and her fiancé had received threats following her endorsement.
Trump said Stevens was in danger and praised her for backing Rogers.
The president also claimed that his campaign rallies had drawn large crowds, saying venues across the country had been sold out.
Republicans Seek to Retain Senate Control
Republicans are seeking to retain their Senate majority in the November 3 midterm elections, with closely contested races expected to shape control of the chamber.
Trump’s campaign appearances in Iowa and Kansas formed part of his final effort to mobilise Republican voters ahead of polling day.
