Abdul El-Sayed wastes no time taking aim at Trump and Vance after his historic election victory.
The US midterm elections have delivered several significant political changes, with Democrats celebrating victories that could reshape the balance of power in Washington.
But beyond the battle for control of Congress, the election has also produced a historic milestone in American politics.
Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, the son of Egyptian immigrants, has won the state’s open US Senate race, becoming the first Muslim elected to the upper chamber of Congress.
And during his victory speech on Wednesday, November 4, the newly elected senator made it clear that he had a few words reserved for two particularly prominent Republicans.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance both received personal messages from the Democratic winner.
JD Vance gets an unexpected reminder
Speaking to supporters following his victory, El-Sayed highlighted a constitutional responsibility that will fall to Vance when the new Congress takes office in January.
As vice president, Vance serves as president of the Senate and can administer the oath of office to incoming senators.
El-Sayed appeared to find the prospect particularly amusing.
“JD, there is this delicious irony in the fact that you’re constitutionally obligated to swear me in in January,” he told the crowd.
The remark drew attention to the unusual political circumstances surrounding his arrival in Washington.
Despite their opposing political affiliations, El-Sayed pointed out that Vance would have a formal role in welcoming him into the institution.
Trump receives an even sharper message
The Michigan Democrat then turned his attention directly to the president.
Rather than delivering a lengthy political attack, El-Sayed chose a brief remark about how Trump should address him after January.
“Donald, I know you struggle with my name, so after JD swears me in in January, you can go on and call me Senator.”
The comment combined a personal jab with a reminder of the authority that comes with winning a seat in the US Senate.
For El-Sayed, the election represents a breakthrough that extends beyond party politics.
His victory makes him the first Muslim elected to the Senate, marking a significant moment for representation in American government.
It also gives Michigan a new Democratic senator at a time when the party is celebrating major electoral gains.
