Trump won the heart of Michigan’s Arab American community. They're moving away from Mike Rogers.
Politics — 2026-08-30 13:00:00 — www.politico.com
Trump’s Claims of Arab American Support in Michigan Unravel Amid Broken Promises and Divisive Rhetoric
Four days before the 2024 election, Donald Trump stood in Dearborn, Michigan, and declared that “the Muslim population” is “liking Trump.” On Election Day, Arab American voters in Michigan did help deliver Trump a victory, swinging hard in his favor over issues like the war in Gaza and cost-of-living concerns. However, the political landscape has shifted dramatically since then, with many of those voters now expressing deep frustration with Trump and the GOP.
Broken Promises and Community Backlash
Trump’s perceived broken promises have become a central issue for Arab Americans in Michigan. Community leaders who once supported Trump now say he failed to deliver on key commitments. Imam Husham Al-Husainy, who backed Trump in 2024 and was scheduled to offer a benediction at the inauguration, now supports Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, citing Trump’s reversal on his pledge for “no new wars.” Similarly, Albert Abbas, who presented a peace prize to Trump during his Dearborn visit, questioned whether Trump truly put American interests first, saying, “It’s the complete opposite.”
The disappointment is compounded by Republican attacks against El-Sayed, which some Arab Americans view as Islamophobic and racist. These tactics, along with Trump’s own rhetoric, are pushing former supporters away from the GOP. Faye Nemer, head of the Middle Eastern and North African American Chamber of Commerce in Dearborn, noted a “change in sentiment” and questioned whether the policy promises made by Trump and Republicans bear any resemblance to reality.
Divisive Statements and Political Fallout
Trump’s divisive language has further alienated Arab American voters. After El-Sayed won the Democratic primary, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the country is seeing “jihadists being elected all over the place.” This statement, along with the National Republican Senatorial Committee’s ad using El-Sayed’s full name, has been criticized by Arab American leaders as alienating and vilifying their community.
The fallout is evident in the shifting political allegiances in Michigan. Hassan Nehme, who led GOP outreach to Arab Americans in 2024, admitted that the party has lost all traction in the area, saying, “Republicans are kind of dead in the water in the area right now.” Monica Yatooma, a former Trump campaign outreach leader, argued that Arab Americans voted for Trump primarily as a protest against Kamala Harris, not out of genuine support for Trump or conservative values.
Consequences for the GOP
The erosion of Arab American support threatens Republican prospects in Michigan’s upcoming Senate race and beyond. Former supporters like Amer Ghalib, who was nominated by Trump to serve as ambassador to Kuwait, warn that Republicans risk losing the long-term trust of the Arab American community. Without meaningful outreach or a shift in rhetoric, GOP candidates such as Mike Rogers may find it difficult to replicate Trump’s 2024 gains.
Conclusion
Trump’s claims that “the Muslim population” is “liking Trump” have not held up in the face of his administration’s actions and rhetoric. Broken promises, inflammatory statements, and attacks perceived as Islamophobic have driven a wedge between the GOP and Michigan’s Arab American community. As the midterms approach, these voters are reassessing their political alliances, and the consequences could be significant for Republican candidates in tightly contested races.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/30/michigan-arab-muslim-vote-senate-el-sayed-rogers-01055928