Newly elected US Senator Abdul El-Sayed has called for an end to unconditional American military assistance to Pakistan and several other countries, arguing that US taxpayer money should be spent on domestic priorities such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.
El-Sayed, a Democrat from Michigan who recently became the first Muslim elected to the US Senate, made the remarks while discussing America’s foreign military assistance policy.
During a town hall event with Senator Bernie Sanders at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor on October 26, he called for ending unconditional military aid to countries including Pakistan, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
El-Sayed argued that American taxpayers should not be expected to finance foreign military forces through funding and weapons supplies. He believes public money should instead support better schools, healthcare facilities and opportunities for American families.
His position reflects a broader call for reviewing US military assistance and ensuring that recipient countries are held accountable under international law.
The comments have attracted attention in Pakistan because of the country’s long-standing defence and security relationship with Washington. US military assistance has historically included defence equipment, training and security cooperation.
However, El-Sayed’s remarks do not represent an enacted US government policy. As a senator-elect, he cannot independently stop military assistance. Any major change would require action through the US government’s legislative and executive processes.
He is expected to take his Senate seat in January 2027.
