The first Muslim elected to the US Senate in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed, has called for Washington to review its financial and military help to nations that use American funds to infringe international law, naming Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan and Israel. He recently made history in Michigan by defeating Republican Mike Rogers.
Speaking about accountability under international law, El-Sayed said the United States should apply the same standards to every country receiving American assistance.
“How do we make sure that we’re holding ourselves accountable to international law? And it’s not just about Israel. I take the same approach to Egypt, where my family immigrated from. I take the same approach to Pakistan and to Jordan,” he said.
He further argued that when a country uses American financial assistance in ways that violate international law, it raises serious questions about the purpose of that funding.
“When we are giving money to a country that is using our money to violate international law, that seems to me a good place to start,” he said.
Opposes Unconditional Military Assistance
El-Sayed also questioned why American taxpayers should finance foreign military establishments when the United States faces domestic challenges in healthcare, education and infrastructure.
He argued that public money should instead be directed towards improving schools, healthcare services, childcare and infrastructure.
“We don’t need and deserve more war, more bombs for foreign governments. What we need and deserve is good healthcare and good childcare, functional infrastructure and good schools for our kids,” he said.
His position is not limited to Pakistan. He has called for an end to unconditional military assistance to several countries and urged Washington to make international law and accountability central to its foreign policy.
First Muslim Elected to US Senate
El-Sayed, 42, defeated Republican candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan’s November 3, 2026, Senate election, making history as the first Muslim elected to the US Senate.
A former public health official and Detroit health director, he campaigned on healthcare reform, reducing living costs and limiting the influence of wealthy interests in American politics.
He is expected to take office in January 2027.
Although El-Sayed cannot independently stop US foreign aid, he will be able to participate in Senate debates and votes on foreign assistance legislation once he takes office.
His remarks have brought renewed attention to Washington’s military assistance policies and the debate over how American taxpayers’ money should be spent abroad.