New Michigan Senator Backs Trump Plan to Cut Israel Aid
Abdul El-Sayed called the proposal correct and urged a halt to arms sales, extending his critique to military support for other nations.
By Tyler Khalil ·
Abdul El-Sayed has entered the U.S. Senate as Michigan's first Muslim representative, a victory that shifted control of Congress to the Democratic Party. The 42-year-old former public health official defeated Republican Mike Rogers in a general election that featured intense debate over the war in Gaza and U.S. foreign policy.
President Donald Trump announced a plan to end approximately $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of the year. The proposal lacks detailed mechanics for implementation. Current agreements provide Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military assistance through 2028.
El-Sayed endorsed the president's move in an interview with Morning Edition following his win. He stated, "I think the president is actually right on this policy." The senator added that he wants the U.S. to stop selling weaponry used for "the worst things, including genocide and apartheid, to Israel."
The campaign featured Rogers, who had Trump's backing, attacking El-Sayed's Muslim faith and his stance on Israel aid. Haley Stevens, who lost to El-Sayed in the Democratic primary, endorsed Rogers days before the election. This split occurred amid a dispute over the role of Israel in the conflict.
El-Sayed's position extends beyond Israel. He questioned U.S. military support for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Pakistan. He argued that American tax dollars should remain in the United States.
Racial and religious dynamics shaped voter sentiment in Michigan. During a pre-election visit, NPR's Michel Martin reported concerns from some Jewish and Black voters regarding El-Sayed's candidacy. El-Sayed responded that the election results challenged the narrative that he needed more work to win their support. He noted, "There's always more work to do. There's always more to build. There's always more conversations to have."
The election result places El-Sayed in the same policy camp as the president on the specific issue of cutting Israel aid. This alignment occurred despite a campaign defined by disagreements on the same topic.
