Abdul El-Sayed’s Sharia Law Defense Sparks Conservative Backlash
Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed compared Sharia law to Christian Canon law, drawing sharp rebukes from conservatives and Second Lady Usha Vance.
The Comparison That Ignited the Web
Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed sparked a firestorm on social media Monday night. During an interview with Fox News anchor Jesse Watters, he defended his past stance on Sharia law. Watters challenged him directly about equating bans on Islamic law with white supremacy. The candidate responded by drawing a parallel between Islamic law and Catholic Church rules.
“Getting rid of Sharia law is White supremacy?” Watters asked, citing El-Sayed’s previous comments. El-Sayed replied that no one should force religious laws on others. He argued this fits an America where people have religious freedom.
This comparison drew immediate criticism from conservatives and Christians online. Andrew Kolvet, executive producer of the Charlie Kirk Show, called the logic a lie. He posted on X that El-Sayed draws a false equivalency between the two legal systems. Kolvet noted that Canon law limits itself to church affairs and grants autonomy to the state.
In contrast, Kolvet wrote that Sharia law is much more comprehensive and governs all aspects of life. He cited contemporary clerics who say it dictates state affairs. Political commentator Carl Jackson called the laws incompatible with Western Civilization. He said he is tired of El-Sayed playing the victim card to avoid scrutiny.
Family Ties and Political Attacks
The controversy expanded when Abdul El-Sayed attacked Vice President JD Vance on Saturday. El-Sayed used the Second Lady’s background to criticize the Vice President. He suggested Sharia law would be alien to Vance’s grandfather, whom the VP calls “Papaw.” El-Sayed asked if JD was taking Usha back in time to meet her husband’s family.
Second Lady Usha Vance offered a classy response in an interview with Fox News. She told Fox & Friends that she kind of laughed at the attack. She said she never met Vance’s grandparents but knows the children they raised well. She described his aunt as a second mother and said the family has been incredibly loving.