El-Sayed Backs Trump's Plan to Halt $4 Billion in Israel Aid

Abdul El-Sayed, the new U.S. Senator from Michigan, supported President Donald Trump's proposal to terminate roughly $4 billion in annual military assistance to Israel. The former public health official stated his approval of the policy while speaking to Morning Edition following his victory over Republican Mike Rogers. El-Sayed, who defeated Rogers to become the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate, aligned himself with the president on a key fiscal and geopolitical issue.

The White House announced plans to end the aid payments by the end of the year. The administration did not provide specific details on the mechanics of the reduction. The United States currently provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military aid under an agreement that remains in effect through 2028. El-Sayed described the president as being "actually right on this policy" during the interview.

The senator extended his critique beyond the aid package. He called for the U.S. to stop selling weaponry to Israel. El-Sayed argued that the equipment is used in actions he described as "genocide and apartheid." He also questioned the necessity of military support for other nations, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Pakistan. He contended that American tax dollars should be prioritized for domestic spending.

Israel policy served as a central point of contention during the Michigan Senate race. Haley Stevens, whom El-Sayed defeated in the Democratic primary, endorsed Rogers days before the general election. The endorsement followed a dispute regarding the state of the campaign. Rogers, who received backing from President Trump, frequently targeted El-Sayed's religious faith and his stance on military aid during the general election campaign.

El-Sayed's victory marks a shift in the state's congressional representation. He campaigned on a platform that included lowering costs, implementing Medicare for All, and reducing corporate influence in politics. The 42-year-old official secured the seat as the Democratic Party reclaimed control of Congress.

The senator acknowledged ongoing conversations within his party. During a pre-election visit to Michigan, Michel Martin of NPR reported concerns from some Jewish and Black voters regarding El-Sayed's candidacy. When asked if further outreach was necessary, El-Sayed said the election results challenged the narrative that he needed to do more. He noted, "There's always more work to do. There's always more to build. There's always more conversations to have."

The announcement of the aid cuts places the new senator and the president on the same side of a major budgetary decision. El-Sayed's support for the cut comes as the administration moves to finalize the end of the annual transfers. The agreement currently funding the aid is set to expire in 2028.