Mike Rogers refuses to call Abdul El‑Sayed a terrorist, cites Muslim Brotherhood ties in CNN interview

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers appeared on CNN’s State of the Union with co‑anchor Dana Bash on Sunday, October 18, 2026, and declined to label Democratic opponent Abdul El‑Sayed a terrorist when pressed about President Donald Trump’s earlier claim.

Rogers said, “I have never called him a terrorist,” and shifted the discussion to what he described as El‑Sayed’s and his family’s ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, an organization banned in five Muslim countries. He noted that the Brotherhood’s ideology, according to him, diminishes women’s roles and was responsible for the regime change in Egypt in 2012‑2013.

The candidate highlighted that many Michigan Muslims have expressed concern about the alleged ideology, saying, “Muslims here in the state call our office a lot and say we’re terrified that a guy with this ideology goes to the United States Senate.” He added that El‑Sayed’s campaign receives funding from the Council on American‑Islamic Relations, which he said “supports the Muslim Brotherhood.”

Rogers also referenced a viral clip of El‑Sayed’s response to a voter’s question about disavowing the Muslim Brotherhood. Bash played the clip, and while El‑Sayed appeared to suggest the question was motivated by his faith, Rogers asserted that El‑Sayed still had not disavowed the group. He further cited streamer Hasan Piker, describing him as “full of hate and vitriol” and noting that Piker had praised El‑Sayed for not disavowing the Brotherhood.

When Bash tried to steer the conversation back to President Trump’s characterization of El‑Sayed as a “jihadist,” Rogers responded, “I don’t want to debate with you,” and reiterated that the focus should be on the candidate’s ideology rather than religious practice. He emphasized his own military background, stating, “I wore the uniform in the United States of America, so people can pray any way they want.”

The interview formed part of a broader campaign strategy in which Rogers has repeatedly warned voters that El‑Sayed’s alleged affiliations could pose a threat to Michigan’s interests. The candidate’s remarks came amid a heated Senate race that pits a former congressman against a former Detroit health official backed by the Democratic Socialists of America.

Election officials have scheduled the Michigan Senate primary for early November, leaving voters with less than two weeks to weigh the competing narratives. Both campaigns continue to trade attacks, with El‑Sayed’s team denying the Brotherhood allegations and labeling Rogers’ statements as “racist and untrue.” The next televised debate is set for next week, where the candidates are expected to revisit the issue of foreign‑policy alignment and domestic security.