El-Sayed and Rogers clash over Trump and Iran in final Michigan Senate debate

Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers used their second and final Michigan Senate debate to argue over President Donald Trump’s agenda, national security and the economic consequences of the Iran war.

El-Sayed repeatedly called Rogers a potential Trump “sock puppet,” linking the Republican to inflation, tariffs and the conflict. Rogers countered that El-Sayed was trying to make every question a referendum on Trump and accused him of changing earlier progressive positions.

National-security allegations draw sharp response

Rogers sought to associate El-Sayed with the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of Hamas. El-Sayed rejected the allegation as baseless and “shameful.” CBS reported that the exchange followed discussion of social-media posts by El-Sayed’s half sister; those posts were not evidence that the candidate belonged to the organization.

Iran, health care and tariffs divide candidates

El-Sayed said the Iran conflict was increasing costs and called for a War Powers Resolution. Rogers argued that Iran remained a serious threat, particularly if it controlled the Strait of Hormuz or acquired a nuclear weapon.

The candidates also differed over Medicare for All and tariffs. Rogers described tariffs as a mixed bag but credited them with bringing manufacturing back to the United States. El-Sayed opposed Trump’s approach while allowing that some import duties could be used. CBS described the race as closely contested and potentially important to control of the Senate.

Sources

• CBS News: final Michigan Senate debate