Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, said the phrase "defund the police" is a "dumb and unnuanced slogan" [1].
The comments come as El-Sayed faces renewed scrutiny over his past rhetoric during a high-stakes primary campaign. The debate over police funding remains a volatile issue for Democratic candidates seeking to balance progressive bases with moderate voters.
During an interview on July 12 [1] for Politico's "The Conversation," El-Sayed addressed his 2020 remarks. He said that the public should have a "much more nuanced conversation" regarding the issue [1].
El-Sayed has previously denied advocating for the removal of police funds. In a comment made in November 2025, he said, "I actually never, never called for defunding" [2].
However, these assertions contradict other available records. A video clip from 2020 shows El-Sayed explicitly calling to "defund the police" [3]. The resurfaced footage has led to critical coverage on CNN's "Inside Politics" and other media platforms [4].
El-Sayed's shift in framing suggests a strategic effort to distance himself from the specific wording of the 2020 movement. By labeling the slogan as "dumb," he attempts to pivot the discussion toward a more complex policy debate rather than a binary choice on funding [1].
Despite the candidate's current stance, the discrepancy between his 2020 statements and his recent claims continues to be a focal point for his political opponents [2].
“"Defund the police" is a "dumb and unnuanced slogan."”
El-Sayed's attempt to redefine his past positions reflects a broader trend among progressive politicians attempting to navigate the 'defund' legacy. By criticizing the slogan while denying its use, he is attempting to maintain his progressive credentials without being tethered to a phrase that has become a political liability in general elections.
