President-elect Donald Trump selected Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman and father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany, to serve as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Boulos played a critical role in Trump’s campaign, spearheading outreach efforts to Arab American communities in Michigan and other key states.
Driving Support in Arab American Communities
Boulos organized extensive voter engagement campaigns, particularly in Michigan cities with large Arab American populations like Dearborn Heights. These efforts capitalized on dissatisfaction with Democratic President Joe Biden’s support for Israeli military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Trump credited Boulos with fostering strong ties with Arab American voters and strengthening Republican coalitions in the region.
Boulos: A Pro-Israel Administration with a Middle East Focus
While Trump and Boulos emphasize a goal of achieving peace in the Middle East, the administration’s broader strategy remains unclear. Boulos. That has political connections in Lebanon, is joined by other appointees with strong pro-Israel leanings.
Mike Huckabee, chosen as ambassador to Israel, opposes a Palestinian state and has dismissed Palestinian identity. While Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for defense secretary, supports rebuilding a Jewish temple on the site of Islam’s Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Boulos‘ efforts resonated with voters angered by Gaza’s ongoing conflict, where more than 44,000 deaths have been reported since the October 7 attacks by Hamas. His outreach helped Trump secure Michigan in the election, a crucial swing state.
Over the weekend, Trump also announced plans to nominate Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France. He noted that family ties will continue to play a significant role in his administration.
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