Trump Arab Americans/ pro-Israel Cabinet/ Middle East policy/ Arab American voters/ Mike Huckabee Israel/ Newslooks/ LANSING/ Mich./ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Arab Americans who supported President-elect Donald Trump express concerns over his pro-Israel Cabinet picks, including Mike Huckabee for ambassador to Israel. Advocates call it a “pro-Israel dream team,” but many in Michigan’s Arab-majority communities are wary, particularly given Trump’s vague plans for Middle East peace. Prominent Arab American allies from his campaign, such as Massad Boulos, have yet to receive roles in the administration.
Arab Americans Question Trump’s Cabinet Picks: Pro-Israel Agenda in Focus
Key Points:
- Trump’s Pro-Israel Appointments: Choices include Mike Huckabee, who opposes a Palestinian state, as ambassador to Israel.
- Community Concerns: Arab Americans who voted for Trump are questioning these appointments and urging him to honor his peace promises.
- Campaign Allies Overlooked (So Far): Figures like Massad Boulos, who spearheaded Arab American outreach, have yet to secure roles in the administration.
Trump’s Pro-Israel Cabinet Picks Stir Concerns Among Arab Americans
Deep Look: Arab Americans React to Trump’s Pro-Israel Cabinet Picks
President-elect Donald Trump’s early Cabinet appointments have sparked unease among Arab Americans, particularly in Michigan, where many Arab-majority cities voted for him. Trump’s selections for key positions—including prominent pro-Israel figures—are raising doubts about his promises to broker peace in the Middle East.
Pro-Israel ‘Dream Team’
Among Trump’s most controversial picks is Mike Huckabee, tapped for ambassador to Israel. A staunch ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Huckabee has rejected the concept of a Palestinian state, referring to Palestinians as a non-existent group. Huckabee’s nomination aligns with Trump’s history of unwavering support for Israel but has unsettled Arab American voters who hoped for more balanced representation.
Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Trump’s choice for secretary of state, has also drawn scrutiny. Rubio strongly opposes a ceasefire in Gaza, advocating for the complete dismantling of Hamas. Similarly, Trump’s nominee for U.N. ambassador, Elise Stefanik, has led anti-antisemitism initiatives and opposed funding for U.N. relief agencies aiding Palestinians.
The Republican Jewish Coalition, a key Trump ally, has celebrated these selections, calling them a “pro-Israel dream team.” According to political director Sam Markstein, these choices signal the end of attempts to balance U.S. policy between Israel and Palestine.
Mixed Reactions Among Arab Americans
Albert Abbas, a Lebanese American and vocal Trump supporter, urged patience. “It’s too early to judge,” he said, emphasizing Trump’s promise of Middle East peace.
Others are less optimistic. Amin Hashmi, a Pakistani American voter, expressed disappointment: “I am not surprised, but I expected him to follow through on his promises to us.”
Meanwhile, Arab American activists have criticized Trump’s reliance on hardline figures. “We had a choice between someone actively shooting and killing us and someone threatening to do so,” said Osama Siblani, publisher of the Arab American News, referring to the Biden administration’s stance on Israel during the Gaza conflict.
Campaign Allies Left in Limbo
Trump’s Arab American supporters hoped prominent surrogates like Massad Boulos would play significant roles in his administration. Boulos, a Lebanese businessman and father-in-law to Trump’s daughter Tiffany, led Arab American outreach efforts and hosted events across Michigan during the campaign. However, neither Boulos nor Richard Grenell, another key adviser, has been offered a position.
Siblani noted that some Arab Americans feel disillusioned, questioning whether their support will translate into influence in Trump’s administration.
Looking Ahead
Trump’s Cabinet appointments set the tone for his administration, but they also risk alienating key Arab American constituencies. With high-profile appointees like Huckabee and Rubio signaling an unequivocal pro-Israel stance, Trump faces growing pressure to clarify his approach to Middle East peace and ensure representation for the Arab American community in his administration.
