El-Sayed backs Trump cut to Israel military aid

Abdul El-Sayed supported President Trump's plan to reduce military aid to Israel on Tuesday.

The newly elected Michigan senator spoke to Morning Edition after winning his seat. He agreed with the president on the need to cut spending. Trump announced his intention to end roughly $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of the year. The president did not provide specific details on how the cuts would be implemented.

El-Sayed said he believed the president was correct on this policy. He stated that the United States should also stop selling weaponry to Israel. El-Sayed noted that these weapons are used to commit worst things, including genocide and apartheid.

The current agreement provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military aid. This deal runs through the year 2028. El-Sayed expanded his argument beyond Israel to other nations. He questioned U.S. military support for Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Pakistan. He said American tax dollars should be spent at home.

El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. The 42-year-old former public health official campaigned on lowering costs and Medicare for All. Rogers attacked El-Sayed over his faith and his opposition to military aid during the race.

The issue of Israel created a major divide in the campaign. Haley Stevens, whom El-Sayed beat in the primary, endorsed Rogers days before the election. The two Democrats had a bitter dispute over the war in Gaza. El-Sayed now finds himself on the same side of the issue as Trump.

Some Jewish and Black voters in Michigan expressed concerns about El-Sayed before the election. He acknowledged that there is always more work to do to build support. He said there are always more conversations to have.