Rogers Says Public Jobs Cannot Pay
Michigan Senate candidate faces scrutiny after claiming officials should not use positions for financial gain while Trump's wealth surges.
By Marta Gray ·
Trump's businesses generated more than $2 billion in income in 2025. That figure has become the centerpiece of a new political fight in Michigan. Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers told reporters on Friday that government employees should not use their roles for personal profit.
"When you sign up for a government job, you cannot use it for your own financial gain," Rogers said. The remark landed just as reports confirmed the president's net worth grew by billions since his return to the White House. Trump has publicly endorsed Rogers in the race.
Social media users amplified the tension within hours. Critics noted the irony of Rogers' stance given the president's earnings. One commenter asked if Rogers was speaking to a mirror. Others cited the $400 million jet from the Qatari royal family that now serves as Air Force One.
The Michigan Senate seat is currently one of the most contested in the country. Recent polls show Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Rogers neck and neck. El-Sayed holds a slight lead in the latest numbers. The outcome will likely determine which party controls the Senate.
Both campaigns have spent heavily to reach voters. Rogers and his allies, including Trump, have frequently targeted El-Sayed with religious rhetoric. The race has become a key battleground for the November election.
Rogers has not yet responded to the viral clip. The candidate continues to campaign across the state. El-Sayed is expected to address the comments during his next scheduled appearance.
