Trump doubles down on Islamophobic rhetoric at Iowa and Kansas rallies
· World · Al Jazeera, Euronews
President Donald Trump repeated Islamophobic claims about Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at rallies in Iowa and Kansas, calling him a 'jihadist' and suggesting metal detectors be installed for him, as reported on 2 Nov 2026. He also revived unfounded allegations that El-Sayed is affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, which the US has designated a foreign terrorist organisation, and targeted Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar with false claims about her marriage and children. The rallies, which followed a last-minute rescheduling, were Trump's final campaign events before the crucial midterm elections that will determine congressional control for his remaining two years. Hecklers interrupted both speeches in Iowa and Kansas, where Trump also attacked Democratic candidates Adam Hamilton and Haley Stevens, urging supporters to vote and 'pretend I'm on the ballot'.
Why it matters
Trump's rhetoric risks deepening religious polarization and may energise Democratic voters in key states like Iowa and Kansas, where polls suggest competitive races that could determine the balance of power in Congress during his presidency.
Read the original report — Al Jazeera
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