MICHIGAN, US: An Abdul El-Sayed interview turned contentious Monday as the Democratic Senate nominee defended his Muslim faith and proposed higher taxes on wealthy Americans during “Jesse Watters Primetime.”
Host Jesse Watters questioned El-Sayed about Sharia law after Vice President JD Vance criticised his previous remarks. El-Sayed said he would never impose his religious beliefs on others.
“Nobody is trying to push Sharia law on anyone else,” El-Sayed said. He compared religious freedom for Muslims with protections for followers of other faiths.
El-Sayed also accused the Trump administration of targeting him because he is Muslim. He criticised Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville’s proposed measures concerning foreign nationals who advocate Sharia law.
"Getting rid of Sharia law is White supremacy? Can you explain that one?"
Jesse Watters presses Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed over his past comments suggesting that efforts to ban Sharia law are tied to White supremacy.
El-Sayed argued on @JesseBWatters… pic.twitter.com/pLCTagD0i8
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 25, 2026The interview later shifted to El-Sayed’s proposal to raise taxes on people with wealth exceeding $100 million.
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El-Sayed said higher taxes on wealthy Americans could support roads, education and other public services. Watters challenged the proposal, arguing that people should retain the earnings from their work.
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El-Sayed responded that billionaires would remain wealthy even after paying higher taxes. El-Sayed and his wife reported $686,069 in income for 2025.
The Democratic nominee then criticised Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, accusing him of avoiding interviews.
Watters also questioned El-Sayed about reparations, transgender participation in women’s sports and earlier comments about the NFL. El-Sayed said discussion of reparations for Black Americans “shouldn’t be a crazy thing.”
