Arab Americans who backed Trump in 2024 are abandoning his party for Abdul El-Sayed
Yahya Basha stands outside his hospital north of Detroit, surrounded by new blue signs he has put up: Abdul for US Senate. He hired two people to guard the signs round the clock after they were repeatedly stolen. Some passers-by honk and give a thumbs-up, while others have called to complain. It is a significant pivot for Dr Basha, 80, a Syrian-American physician and longtime community leader in…
Yahya Basha, an 80-year-old Syrian-American physician and community leader in Michigan, has abandoned support for Donald Trump and the Republican Party to back Democratic Senatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed. Basha switched allegiance after feeling disillusioned with Trump's handling of the economy, the war in Gaza, and his decision to launch a new war in Iran.
Despite being pleased with Trump's support for Syria, Basha opposes using religion as a subject for mockery. With over $500,000 donated and raised by Basha, El-Sayed aims to become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. However, Trump has ridiculed El-Sayed's name during rallies and on social media, leading to deep offense among many Muslims, especially in Michigan, a state Trump has won twice.
El-Sayed, 42, has advocated for universal healthcare, ending state collaboration with federal immigration enforcement, and opposing military funding for foreign wars. He has also criticized Israel's conduct in Gaza as genocide and proposed prioritizing domestic needs, such as education and healthcare.
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