The key facts

  • Abdul El-Sayed became the first Muslim senator in history, defeating Republican Mike Rogers
  • He joked that Vance is 'constitutionally obligated' to administer the oath of office to him
  • As a result of the November 3 elections, the Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress

Victory in Michigan and a message to Trump and Vance

Senator-elect from Michigan Abdul El-Sayed has become the first Muslim in history to hold this office. He defeated Republican Mike Rogers, who was backed by Donald Trump. His speech is reported by The Hill citing a publication by Gazeta.Ru.

'JD, habibi'

In his speech, El-Sayed joked about the prospect of Vice President JD Vance administering the oath of office to him in January, calling it a moment of 'delicious irony' after Vance's and Trump's public attacks on him. 'JD, habibi, there is a delicious irony in the fact that you are constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January', he said. He addressed the president separately: 'Donald, I know it's hard for you to pronounce my name, so after JD swears me in in January, you can feel free to call me Senator.'

Context of the elections

The speech came against the backdrop of the US congressional elections held on November 3: as a result, the Democrats gained control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Trump himself said the outcome surprised him, but refused to consider the Republican Party's defeat his own, citing rising fuel prices as the reason for the loss. Earlier, according to reports, the European Parliament rejoiced at the defeat of Trump's 'reality-detached clique'.