Controversy Surrounds Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin’s Staffer’s Support for Louis Farrakhan
Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat positioned as a moderate voice and chosen to deliver the rebuttal to President Trump’s upcoming address to Congress, is facing scrutiny over her continued employment of a staff member who has publicly expressed support for Minister Louis Farrakhan, the controversial leader of the Nation of Islam.
Dr. Terra DeFoe, who served as a deputy political director during Slotkin’s Senate campaign and now holds the position of regional director, has drawn criticism for her past affiliations with Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam. In a 2017 Facebook post, DeFoe shared a photo of herself alongside Farrakhan at the Nation of Islam’s Saviours Day Convention, writing, "Great time with my Brothers at Saviors Day Convention."
Farrakhan has a long history of making antisemitic and derogatory statements. He has compared Jews to termites, described them as "Satanic," and praised Adolf Hitler as a "great man." His remarks have made him a highly controversial figure in the United States, particularly due to his stance on Israel.
In 2019, two years after attending the Nation of Islam convention, DeFoe invited Troy Muhammad, a State Representative for Minister Louis Farrakhan and Minister of Muhammad Mosque No. 1, onto her talk show. DeFoe introduced Muhammad as a "valued community leader in Detroit." The nine-minute interview did not include any discussion of Farrakhan’s controversial antisemitic comments.
Following Slotkin’s successful Senate campaign, DeFoe was promoted to the position of regional director in January 2025. Federal Election Commission records indicate that DeFoe received tens of thousands of dollars from the Slotkin campaign between July 2023 and December 2024, prior to her promotion.
Backlash and Calls for Dismissal
After Fox News Digital initially reported on DeFoe’s connections to Farrakhan in May, Jewish activists demanded that Slotkin terminate her employment.
Liora Rez, the executive director of StopAntisemitism, stated, "StopAntisemitism is dismayed to learn that Representative Elissa Slotkin still employs a Farrakhan supporter who has openly praised one of America’s most notorious antisemites. Farrakhan uses antisemitic slurs and pushes Jew-hating rhetoric, yet Rep. Slotkin has refused to fire this staffer, despite public outcry."
Rez questioned Slotkin’s claim to moderation, asking, "How can a Representative who enables this kind of extremism be considered a moderate? Rep. Slotkin’s silence needs to be addressed. If she won’t take a stand against antisemitism within her own team, why should her constituents trust her to stand up for American values at all?"
Tudor Dixon, who ran for governor of Michigan as a Republican in 2022, echoed these concerns, stating, "No one will be fooled by Elissa Slotkin’s sudden ‘moderate’ rebrand. There’s nothing moderate about defending open borders, higher taxes, EV mandates, and coddling criminals. Elissa Slotkin is a far-left progressive who continues to surround herself with activists that are completely disconnected from the average American."
Slotkin’s office and DeFoe have not responded to requests for comment.
The Broader Implications
This controversy raises questions about the vetting process for political staff and the standards to which elected officials should be held when it comes to condemning antisemitism and other forms of bigotry. It also has the potential to affect Slotkin’s image as a moderate Democrat as she prepares to deliver the rebuttal to President Trump’s address.
Her silence on the matter may lead some to question her commitment to combating hate speech and promoting inclusivity. It remains to be seen how this issue will impact her political future and her ability to effectively represent her constituents.
The situation also highlights the ongoing debate about free speech versus accountability. While DeFoe has the right to express her views, her association with a figure like Farrakhan raises concerns about the potential impact on her work and the message it sends to the broader community.
As Slotkin prepares to deliver her rebuttal to the President’s address, she will likely face questions about her stance on antisemitism and her decision to retain DeFoe on her staff. Her response to these inquiries will be closely watched and could have significant consequences for her political career.
The controversy surrounding DeFoe’s support for Farrakhan serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in combating antisemitism and other forms of hate speech. It also underscores the need for elected officials to be held accountable for their actions and associations.
The situation presents a challenge for Slotkin, who must balance her commitment to free speech with her responsibility to condemn bigotry and promote inclusivity. Her handling of this issue will be a defining moment in her political career and could have lasting consequences for her reputation and her ability to effectively represent her constituents.
