President Donald Trump has extended an unusual welcome to a Democratic lawmaker. On Sunday, speaking to reporters outside Air Force One, Trump praised Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) for endorsing Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers in Michigan's Senate race, calling her endorsement a "big move" that few had anticipated.
When asked whether Stevens should become a Republican, Trump didn't hesitate: "I'd love to have her." He added that he would call Stevens to thank her, saying "she did the right thing."
Speaker Johnson Praises Stevens, Flags Safety Concerns
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) echoed the sentiment, telling reporters he had sent Stevens a note and spoken with her about the endorsement. "I sent her a note. Spoke to Haley and told her how courageous she was, how much we appreciate that she's standing for truth," Johnson said.
Johnson also raised concerns about her safety, revealing that Stevens and her fiancé had been receiving threats.
Trump, meanwhile, took the opportunity to attack Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, referring to him as a "jihadist" and a "Muslim Brotherhood guy." The president also praised Stevens' previous Senate campaign against Rogers, noting that she was expected to lose by approximately 25 percentage points but ultimately lost by just half a point.
Stevens Appeared With Republican Rival
Stevens' endorsement of Rogers came after she was disinvited from a joint event with El-Sayed over disagreements related to Israel. She had narrowly lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed and had criticized his remarks on Israel. Her appearance alongside Rogers marked a significant break from her party.
Democrats Criticize Stevens, Back El-Sayed
The backlash from Democrats was swift. Rep. Dingell criticized Stevens, saying Michigan voters were more concerned about rising living costs than political drama and urging Democrats to support El-Sayed.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) backed the reported resignations of Stevens' staff, saying they understood the importance of electing El-Sayed, defeating Rogers and ending Republican control of the Senate.
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) criticized Stevens for endorsing Rogers, accusing her of embracing bigotry. He also blamed Trump for deepening political divisions and expressed support for El-Sayed.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said voters were more concerned about rising living costs and their children's future than political drama. She urged Democrats to focus on countering Trump, protecting the middle class and electing El-Sayed.
