Opinion

DAVID MARCUS: Why Abdul El-Sayed’s anti-billionaire screeds may not play in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids locals credit philanthropic families for the city's thriving economy, civic institutions

By David Marcus Fox News

Published October 16, 2026 11:30am EDT

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Vance: El-Sayed 'had every opportunity to love the place he grew up'

Vice President JD Vance delivers a scathing rebuke of Abdul El-Sayed, saying he chose resentment over gratitude despite the opportunities he received growing up in America.

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I am pleased to report that Grand Rapids, Michigan, is an absolutely thriving mid-sized American city that almost feels like walking back in time. It has sidewalks full of people, streets full of cars and big beautiful buildings filled with businesses.

When I asked locals what the secret of this success was, a surprising number of people cited a handful of billionaire philanthropic families: the very same billionaires that Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed says should not exist in the Wolverine State, or anywhere in America.

Among these wealthy families with deep roots in Grand Rapids and broader Western Michigan are the Davos, Van Andel and Meijer families, whose names can be seen on institutions all over town — owing the billions they have donated.

An 1880s replica of Grand Rapids, Michigan, pictured at the Public Museum. (David Marcus/Fox News Digital)

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Joan is a docent at the splendid Grand Rapids........

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