A top political adviser to a House Democrat who is running for the Senate in a state with high anti-Israel activism attended a convention organized by notorious antisemite Louis Farrakhan. Terra Defoe, deputy political director for Democratic Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin, posted on Facebook about supporting Farrakhan at the Nation of Islam’s Saviours’ Day Convention in 2017, where he made derogatory comments about Jews. Photos showed Defoe with Nation of Islam members and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, but a spokesperson for Duggan claimed he had never attended a Saviours’ Day event. Farrakhan has praised Duggan multiple times and thanked him for his hospitality.
Defoe has held various political positions in Detroit and received almost $60,000 from Slotkin’s campaign between July 2023 and March 2024. In 2019, she invited Troy Muhammad, a representative for Farrakhan, onto her talk show, describing him as a “valued community leader.” The interview did not address Farrakhan’s antisemitic remarks. Farrakhan has made derogatory comments about Jews, praising Hitler and blaming Jews for various societal issues. Since leading the Nation of Islam, he has faced accusations of antisemitism and homophobia for his comments and sermons.
Louis Farrakhan is known for spreading antisemitic stereotypes and hatred towards Jews, as well as developing a following indoctrinated with hatred. He has shown support for Islamist regimes like Iran and accused Jews of manipulating and exploiting Black people. Slotkin, who is Jewish, has spoken out against violence on college campuses during anti-Israel protests and called for universities to do more to address antisemitism. Despite her advocacy against antisemitism, Slotkin has not responded to requests for comment on her advisor’s connection to Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam.
The association between Defoe and Farrakhan raises concerns about Slotkin’s campaign and her commitment to fighting antisemitism. Farrakhan’s history of derogatory remarks about Jews and his controversial views have led to accusations of antisemitism and homophobia. Duggan’s spokesperson denied his attendance at a Saviours’ Day event but acknowledged a private meeting where he addressed antisemitic language with Farrakhan. Farrakhan has a history of praising Duggan and other political figures, including during a recent Saviours’ Day event in Detroit.
The ties between Defoe, Farrakhan, and the Nation of Islam highlight the challenges of addressing antisemitism within political circles. Farrakhan’s comments and beliefs have sparked outrage and condemnation from human rights advocates and experts. Slotkin’s campaign faces scrutiny over her advisor’s connections to Farrakhan and the implications for her commitment to fighting antisemitism. As the Senate race in Michigan heats up, the involvement of individuals like Defoe with controversial figures like Farrakhan raises questions about the intersection of politics and extremism.
