Elon Musk Says El-Sayed Hates White People

A short clip of Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed reflecting on his childhood as the son of immigrants has set off a wave of criticism online, days before he faces Republican Mike Rogers in one of the country’s most closely watched Senate races.

The excerpt comes from El-Sayed’s appearance on comedian Hasan Minhaj’s show. In it, the Egyptian-American physician describes growing up as a “brown kid” with demanding parents who made him feel that “no matter what you do, you’re never enough.” He contrasts that with white classmates whose parents, in his telling, showed up to every game and praised their children even when they were mediocre, and says the experience shaped his drive.

The clip, shared by journalist Chuck Ross, circulated widely on X, including on the Republican National Committee’s research account. On Saturday, Australian activist Drew Pavlou reposted it with the caption: “Democrat Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed rants about how white kids had it better than him when he was a kid.” Elon Musk replied to the post: “He hates White people.” Pavlou’s post drew more than 400,000 views within hours.

Turning Point USA spokesman Andrew Kolvet made a similar charge, asking how anyone could “attack a proud mom for showing up to her kid’s game.” Critics on the right have seized on the clip as evidence of racial grievance. His defenders see it as a familiar reflection on immigrant family dynamics rather than hostility toward white Americans. The circulating excerpt is a small part of a longer interview.

El-Sayed narrowly won the August 4 Democratic primary over Rep. Haley Stevens, a self-described pro-Israel Democrat. He is running on Medicare for All with the backing of Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and would be the first Muslim U.S. senator if elected. His sharp criticism of Israel and of U.S. support for it has made him a focus of concern for many pro-Israel voters. This week he distanced himself from an ad by an outside group that blamed high grocery prices on Israel.

Polls show a close race for the open seat vacated by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters, with El-Sayed holding a narrow edge over Rogers ahead of Tuesday’s election.