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

Abdul El-Sayed supports President Donald Trump's plan to cut roughly $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel. The Michigan Democrat, who took office this week, welcomed the proposal in an interview after defeating Republican Mike Rogers for the U.S. Senate seat.

The current agreement between the two nations provides Israel with $3.8 billion in military aid each year. That deal runs through 2028. Trump announced the cuts on November 4 but did not explain the specific mechanics of how the reduction will occur.

El-Sayed said he agrees with the policy shift. He stated that the president is right on this issue. He also called for an end to U.S. arms sales to Israel. He argued that American weapons are used in ways that cause severe harm, including genocide and apartheid.

The senator extended his criticism to other countries. He questioned U.S. military support for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Pakistan. He said American tax dollars should be spent domestically rather than funding foreign military efforts.

Israel was a major issue during the Michigan race. Rogers, who had Trump's backing, attacked El-Sayed over his faith and his stance on aid. Haley Stevens, who lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed, endorsed Rogers just days before the election. The dispute over Israel created a clear divide in the campaign.

El-Sayed noted that some Jewish and Black voters in Michigan had concerns about him before the vote. He said the election results challenged the idea that he needed to change his stance to win their support. He added that there is always more work to do and more conversations to have.

El-Sayed is 42 years old. He is the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. He previously worked as a public health official. His campaign focused on lowering costs, expanding Medicare, and reducing corporate influence in politics.