El-Sayed backs Trump's plan to cut $4 billion in Israel aid

Abdul El-Sayed, who became the first Muslim member of the U.S. Senate after defeating Mike Rogers in Michigan, said President Donald Trump is correct in his plan to terminate approximately $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of 2026.

The president announced the cut in funding without providing specific details on the implementation process. El-Sayed said following his victory to express support for the move. He stated that he believes the president is right on the policy. El-Sayed also called for a halt to the sale of U.S. Weaponry to Israel. He argued that American-made weapons are used in actions he described as genocide and apartheid.

The current agreement between the United States and Israel provides $3.8 billion in military assistance each year through 2028. The issue of U.S. Support for Israel was a major point of conflict during the Senate race. Haley Stevens, whom El-Sayed beat in the Democratic primary, endorsed Rogers days before the general election. The endorsement followed a dispute between the two Democrats regarding their positions on Israel and Gaza.

El-Sayed's stance extends beyond the Middle East. He questioned the U.S. Military support provided to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Pakistan. He argued that American tax dollars should be spent domestically rather than on foreign military aid. This position aligns him with Trump on fiscal policy despite their different political parties.

The campaign brought attention to divisions within the Democratic Party in Michigan. Before the election, NPR's Michel Martin reported concerns from some Jewish and Black voters about El-Sayed. When asked if he still needed to build support with those groups, El-Sayed said the election results challenged the narrative that he lacked their backing. He said there is always more work to do and more conversations to have.

El-Sayed, a 42-year-old former public health official, campaigned on lowering costs, Medicare for All, and reducing corporate influence in politics. Rogers, who was backed by Trump, attacked El-Sayed's Muslim faith and his opposition to military aid for Israel during the campaign. El-Sayed won the seat as his party regained control of Congress.

The next step in the legislative process will involve determining how the aid cuts are executed, as no specific timeline or method was provided in the initial announcement.