A top political advisor to a House Democrat, who is running for the Senate in a state with a growing anti-Israel sentiment, attended a convention organized by the notorious antisemite Louis Farrakhan. Terra Defoe, deputy political director for Democratic Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin, posted on Facebook in 2017 about supporting the Nation of Islam and Farrakhan at the “Saviours’ Day Convention.” Farrakhan, known for his anti-Semitic rhetoric, has compared Jews to termites and called them “Satanic.” Defoe also posted photos with Farrakhan and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who has denied attending the convention and claimed to have addressed antisemitic language directly with Farrakhan in a private meeting.
Farrakhan has a history of making controversial statements about Jews, including blaming them for the slave trade and black oppression. Since the late 1970s, he has been accused of antisemitism and homophobia for his speeches and sermons. Despite his divisive rhetoric, Farrakhan has praised Duggan and other political figures, including Slotkin’s advisor Terra Defoe. Defoe’s personal website lists various political positions she has held, including as a Detroit Delegation Organizer to the Michigan House Democrats and a senior advisor to Mayor Duggan. She has also worked in ministry and hosted a cable television talk show in Detroit.
DeFoe, who has received almost $60,000 from Slotkin’s campaign between July 2023 and March 2024, invited Farrakhan’s representative, Troy Muhammad, onto her talk show in 2019. Muhammad serves as a State Representative for Farrakhan and Minister of Muhammad Mosque No. 1. The interview did not include questions about Farrakhan’s antisemitic comments, and DeFoe described Muhammad as a “valued community leader in Detroit.” Farrakhan’s controversial statements have led to criticism and accusations of promoting hatred towards Jews and marginalized communities.
Farrakhan’s antisemitic remarks have included comparing Jewish people to termites, praising Hitler as a “great man,” and denouncing Jews as “the synagogue of Satan.” His support for Islamist regimes like Iran, coupled with his spreading of vitriol against Jews, has caused outrage and condemnation from human rights advocates. Despite being Jewish, Slotkin has not publicly addressed her advisor’s affiliations with Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. Slotkin has spoken out against anti-Israel protests and violence on college campuses and has called on universities to take more action to protect students from antisemitism.
The connection between Slotkin’s advisor and Farrakhan raises questions about the Democrat’s stance on antisemitism and Farrakhan’s controversial beliefs. While Slotkin has not publicly commented on the issue, her advisor’s ties to Farrakhan have drawn criticism from Republicans, who accuse her of aligning herself with radical and antisemitic elements within the Democratic Party. The controversy highlights the growing concern over anti-Israel sentiment and extremist views in political circles, and the need for public figures to address and condemn hateful rhetoric and actions.
