Trump's Interesting Take on Muslims: 'Say Muhammad, It's Correct!'

U.S. President Donald Trump has been back in the spotlight with remarks he made at a rally in Dalton, Georgia, held before the upcoming special elections on November 3. His comments about Iran drew attention, especially when he joked about the name Muhammad, which is common among Muslims.

“You’ll Likely Be Right About 65%”

On Friday, October 16, at Dalton Municipal Airport, Trump, speaking to supporters, described the habit of people from the Middle East regarding their names.

Trump used the phrasing, “You know, if you’re not sure whether someone’s name is from the Middle East, just say ‘Muhammed.’ It’s about a 65% chance of being correct.”

Then he continued, saying, “Hello, Muhammed! I’ve been doing this for years. I’ve never been wrong.”

Iran’s Presidency also made a joke.

Trump's remarks about the name Muhammad came at the time when Iran's political establishment was referring to it.

Trump, who highlighted that Iran is "the one country no one wants to be president of," went on to speak as if he were proposing the presidency to individuals named Muhammad.

However, Trump's joke failed to elicit the lively reaction expected on the rally grounds; according to international coverage, the audience's response was rather limited.

Why Is the Name Muhammad So Widespread?

The name Muhammad is widely used in many parts of the world due to the love and respect for the Islamic prophet Muhammad.

In particular, in countries with dense Muslim populations, variations such as Mohammad, Mohammed, Muhammad, and Muhammed appear.

However, the fact that not everyone living in the Middle East is Muslim and that many different names are used in the region was one of the striking aspects of the generalization in Trump's statement.

His remarks about Muslims had been criticized earlier.

Trump's statements reignited discussions about his rhetoric toward Muslims and migrants.

Some civil-rights and Muslim-rights advocacy groups in the United States had criticized Trump, arguing that his past remarks targeted Muslims, migrants, and ethnic minorities.

Trump's remarks specifically toward Somali-origin Americans and Democratic-party Congresswoman Ilhan Omar had also sparked political debate earlier.

Seeking Support in Georgia Ahead of the Critical Elections.

Trump's striking remarks came at a Republican Party rally held before the midterm elections scheduled for November 3, 2026.

In the event held at the airport hangar in the city of Dalton, Trump asked for support for Republican Senate candidate Mike Collins and gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson.

While the rally aimed to boost voter turnout also brought up Iran and immigration policies, Trump’s remarks about the name Muhammad became one of the most striking parts of the speech.