First Muslim US Senator from Michigan Welcomes Trump’s Plan to End $4 Billion in Annual Military Aid to Israel

Abdul El-Sayed, the first Muslim elected to the US Senate from Michigan, has welcomed President Donald Trump’s plan to end nearly $4 billion in annual military assistance to Israel. He has also called for an end to US arms sales to the country.

The 42-year-old Democratic candidate won a Senate seat by defeating Republican Mike Rogers in the US midterm elections. With the victory, El-Sayed made history as the first Muslim to be elected to the US Senate. Democrats also regained control of Congress in the same election.

During his election campaign, El-Sayed pledged to reduce the cost of living, introduce Medicare for All and limit the influence of corporate money in politics.

Rogers, who had received Trump's endorsement, repeatedly attacked El-Sayed over his Muslim identity and opposition to US military assistance to Israel.

Israel and the war in Gaza emerged as major issues during the election campaign. Haley Stevens, who had lost to El-Sayed in the Democratic primary, endorsed Republican candidate Rogers just days before the election amid disagreements over Israel.

However, following his victory, El-Sayed and Trump have found common ground on the issue of ending US military assistance to Israel.

Trump has announced plans to end approximately $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel by the end of this year. However, he has not provided details on how the funding would be discontinued.

Speaking on NPR's Morning Edition after his election victory, El-Sayed welcomed Trump's announcement.

"On this policy, the president is actually taking the right position," he said.

El-Sayed also called for an end to arms sales to Israel if the weapons could be used to commit serious crimes, including genocide and apartheid.

Under an existing agreement that runs through 2028, the United States currently provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military assistance.