Trump calls Democratic primary winners ‘jihadists’ as midterm rhetoric intensifies
By Mayson Woodbridge
WASHINGTON, Aug. 10 (SCN NEWS) — President Donald Trump escalated his attacks on Democrats on Monday, claiming that “jihadists” are being elected in Democratic primaries as he sought to portray the opposition party as increasingly radical ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Speaking during an appearance in Las Vegas, Trump said Democratic voters were choosing candidates he characterized as far outside the political mainstream, adding the “jihadist” label to a Republican campaign message that has already accused Democrats of embracing socialism and communism.
Trump’s comments came days after Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim progressive backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, won Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, defeating Rep. Haley Stevens and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.
The president singled out El-Sayed while attacking the direction of the Democratic Party. There is no evidence that El-Sayed is a jihadist, and Trump’s characterization was a political attack rather than a factual description of the Democratic nominee.
Michigan victory gives Trump a new target
El-Sayed’s victory has quickly become part of the national fight over the Democratic Party’s direction.
The former Detroit health director campaigned as a progressive, emphasizing healthcare, economic inequality and opposition to billionaire and corporate influence in politics. His victory was celebrated by Sanders as evidence that progressive candidates could defeat better-funded establishment opponents.
The result also gives Republicans a clear ideological contrast heading into November.
El-Sayed is set to face Republican former U.S. Sen. Mike Rogers in the general election, making Michigan one of the most closely watched Senate contests in the battle for control of Congress.
Even before the primary, the Democratic contest had become a clash between El-Sayed’s progressive campaign and more establishment-oriented alternatives.
Trump broadens his midterm message
Trump and other Republicans have spent recent weeks trying to cast Democratic nominees as ideologically extreme.
Before adopting the “jihadists” language, Republicans had increasingly described Democratic candidates as communists, reviving a political attack that has appeared repeatedly in U.S. campaigns.
Trump’s latest remarks appear to broaden that strategy by connecting Democratic victories involving Muslim progressive candidates with national-security rhetoric.
The language comes as Republicans seek to make immigration, crime, the Iran war and national security central issues in the final months before the midterms.
Democrats, meanwhile, are campaigning heavily on healthcare, affordability, Trump’s immigration crackdown and Republican control of Washington.
Muslim candidates increasingly visible in U.S. politics
Trump’s comments also come amid growing representation of Muslim Americans in Democratic politics.
El-Sayed’s Michigan victory follows the emergence of several Muslim politicians in prominent Democratic races in recent election cycles.
That has also produced increasingly contentious rhetoric from some Republican figures, particularly around candidates’ positions on Israel, Gaza and U.S. Middle East policy.
Trump has frequently used provocative labels to define political opponents before voters become familiar with them — a tactic that was central to his presidential campaigns and has now become part of his 2026 midterm strategy.
November battle takes shape
The president’s remarks underscore how quickly individual state primaries are becoming part of a national campaign.
Democratic voters are still deciding nominees in several major House and Senate contests. Once those primaries conclude, Republicans will increasingly try to link those candidates to the Democratic Party nationally, while Democrats will attempt to turn November into a referendum on Trump’s second term.
The stakes are substantial.
Every House seat is on the ballot in November, along with dozens of Senate contests, and the outcome will determine whether Republicans maintain unified control of Washington or Democrats gain the congressional power to challenge Trump during the final two years of his term.
Trump’s use of the “jihadists” label signals that the political fight over those races is likely to become increasingly personal and ideological as the general election campaign accelerates.