El-Sayed backs Trump's cut to Israel military aid

Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated Mike Rogers to become Michigan's first Muslim U.S. Senator, said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump is correct in his plan to reduce military aid to Israel. El-Sayed said after his party reclaimed control of Congress.

The president announced on Tuesday that he intends to end approximately $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of the year. He provided no specific details on how the cuts would be implemented. The current agreement between the United States and Israel provides $3.8 billion in annual military support and remains in effect through 2028.

El-Sayed, a 42-year-old former public health official, welcomed the proposal in his interview. He stated that he believes the president is right on the policy. The senator also argued that the U.S. Should stop selling weaponry to Israel. He noted that these weapons are used in situations he described as including genocide and apartheid.

The race in Michigan was defined by disagreements over the war in Gaza and U.S. Support for Israel. Rogers, who was backed by Trump, repeatedly attacked El-Sayed over his Muslim faith and his stance on military aid. Haley Stevens, whom El-Sayed defeated in the Democratic primary, endorsed Rogers just days before the election following a dispute over Israel.

El-Sayed extended his critique beyond Israel during the interview. He questioned U.S. Military support for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Pakistan. He argued that American tax dollars should be spent domestically rather than funding foreign militaries.

Some Jewish and Black voters in Michigan expressed concerns about El-Sayed before the election. Michel Martin of NPR heard these concerns during a visit to the state. El-Sayed said the election results challenged the narrative that he needed to do more to win their support, though he acknowledged there is always more work to do and more conversations to have.