Trump Uses 'Mohammad' as Punchline in Georgia Campaign Speech

U.S. President Donald Trump drew criticism from human rights advocates and Muslim groups after using the name 'Mohammad' as a joke during a campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia, on October 16, 2026. Speaking to supporters at a hangar at Dalton Regional Airport, Trump remarked that if uncertain about someone's name from the Middle East, one could safely guess 'Mohammad,' claiming approximately 65 percent accuracy. He stated, "If you're unsure about someone's name from the Middle East, just say 'Mohammad.' You've got about a 65 percent chance. I've been doing this for years and I'm never wrong."

Trump made the comment while discussing Iran and its government. He added that Iran was "the only country where nobody wants to be president," then joked by pretending to ask several people named Mohammad if they wanted the position. The audience did not respond notably to the remark.

Human rights defenders and Muslim advocacy groups have repeatedly criticized Trump's rhetoric as mocking Islam, immigrants, and ethnic minorities. The criticism has intensified during the 2026 midterm campaign season, particularly targeting Somali-American and Muslim communities. Named targets of Trump's rhetoric include Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Representative Ilhan Omar, a Minnesota Democrat who came to the U.S. as a Somali refugee. According to an annual report from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) released earlier in 2026, Islamophobia in the United States has increased, partly attributed to Trump's strict immigration policies and related discourse.