Benson Names Nation of Islam Leader to Transition Team

Benson, a Democrat who defeated Republican John James in Michigan’s November 3 gubernatorial election, named Muhammad to the team preparing policy priorities before she takes office. The 15-member council also includes Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield.

Muhammad is a Nation of Islam “student minister” and has described himself as a disciple of its leader, Louis Farrakhan. Jewish organizations have criticized Muhammad’s affiliations and remarks. The Combat Antisemitism Movement dropped him from its mayoral advisory group during the summer, saying his positions and affiliations conflicted with its mission.

Muhammad has defended Farrakhan, who has compared Jews to “termites” and called Adolf Hitler “a great man.” In a 2020 post responding to a Farrakhan sermon, Muhammad wrote: “Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.” In a podcast interview this year, Muhammad discussed a book about pro-Israel influence and said, “They have the muscle, they have the money, they have power, they have influence.”

He has also invoked Kristallnacht when discussing reported attacks against Black Muslim businesses and promoted Nation of Islam material that opposes interracial relationships. Muhammad has called the group’s program on the subject the “ultimate solution” to America’s “race problem.” He has credited Farrakhan with encouraging his mayoral run and said Farrakhan pledged support from the Nation of Islam.

Benson and Muhammad have described themselves as longtime friends. Muhammad said they had a relationship outside politics, and Benson praised him during her primary victory speech. Her office offered no comment when asked. The appointment may draw further criticism from Jewish organizations concerned about legitimizing the Nation of Islam.

Benson’s Transition Team Pick Faces Scrutiny Over Antisemitic Record

Benson’s choice of Muhammad for her 15-member transition council puts his record of antisemitic rhetoric at the center of scrutiny as Michigan prepares for a new administration. The Democrat defeated Republican John James on November 3. Her team also includes Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield.

Muhammad is a Nation of Islam “student minister” and a follower of Farrakhan who has publicly described himself as his disciple, who has compared Jews to “termites” and called Adolf Hitler “a great man.” Muhammad defended Farrakhan after a 2020 sermon by posting: “Yet for fear of the Jews no one spoke openly of him.” He has also cited the Nazi pogrom Kristallnacht while discussing reported attacks against Black Muslim businesses.

The Combat Antisemitism Movement removed Muhammad from its advisory group for mayors during the summer, saying his affiliations conflicted with its mission. His appointment now raises the question of why Benson has elevated a figure whose associations have already prompted that response. Benson and Muhammad have described themselves as longtime friends, and he said their relationship extends beyond politics.

Muhammad has promoted Nation of Islam literature alleging Jewish involvement in the slave trade and a program opposing interracial relationships, which he called the “ultimate solution” to America’s “race problem.” He has credited Farrakhan with helping launch his political career. Benson’s office provided no comment when contacted.

Benson’s Team Pick Revives Questions About Judgment and Antisemitism

Benson has chosen a transition-team member whose record includes defending Farrakhan and promoting Nation of Islam material on Jews and race. That decision deserves scrutiny as the governor-elect prepares to lead a politically competitive state. Benson, a Democrat, defeated Republican John James on November 3.

Muhammad is a Nation of Islam “student minister” and a follower of Farrakhan who has described himself as a disciple, who has compared Jews to “termites” and called Adolf Hitler “a great man.” Muhammad posted a defense of Farrakhan after a 2020 sermon and has invoked Kristallnacht while discussing reported attacks against Black Muslim businesses.

The Combat Antisemitism Movement dropped Muhammad from its panel of mayoral advisers during the summer, saying his positions and affiliations did not fit its mission. Yet Benson named him to a 15-member team that will prepare her policy priorities. Benson and Muhammad have called themselves longtime friends, and he said their connection is not limited to politics.

Muhammad has promoted Nation of Islam material alleging Jews played a central role in the slave trade and backing a prohibition on interracial relationships. He described that program as the “ultimate solution” to America’s “race problem.” He has also credited Farrakhan with encouraging his mayoral campaign and pledging Nation of Islam support. Benson’s office made no comment in response to an inquiry.