At a rally in Dubuque, Iowa, on November 1, 2026, former President Donald Trump praised Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens for endorsing Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers and said she should join the GOP, while sharply criticizing Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed, according to a report and quotes published by The Gateway Pundit.
Trump invites Stevens to join Republicans
Calling it “very big news this morning from Michigan,” Trump said Rep. Stevens endorsed and campaigned with Rogers. “She just went out, and she endorsed Mike Rogers,” Trump told the crowd, adding, “I’d love her to join the Republican Party, actually. I think that could happen maybe.” He also described her move as “very brave,” according to the outlet’s transcription of his remarks.
Harsh words for Abdul El‑Sayed
Trump directed extended criticism at El‑Sayed, including coarse language. “I call him Mohammed, not Abdul,” Trump said, according to The Gateway Pundit’s account. “Because I’m president, Abdul, and I have the right to call you whatever the hell I want!” He later added, “He’s a disaster. He’s a nasty guy, and hopefully he gets his ass kicked.”
Trump also referenced “recent reports” alleging El‑Sayed campaigned while gathering signatures at mosques the outlet characterized as radical, and that those institutions have used extreme anti‑American and antisemitic rhetoric. These are Trump’s assertions as quoted by The Gateway Pundit; the post did not include independent documentation within the provided text.
Outlet claims Democratic backlash against Stevens
The Gateway Pundit further stated that the Michigan Democratic Party chair declared Stevens “no longer” a member of the party following her endorsement of Rogers and that senior Democrats criticized her. Independent Minute has not verified those claims.
