‘Arab Americans for Trump’ Changes Name Over Gaza ‘Riviera’ Proposal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A pro-Trump Arab American group has rebranded itself as “Arab Americans for Peace” following President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal to “take over” Gaza and turn it into “the Riviera of the Middle East.” The group’s chairman, Bishara Bahbah, stated that while they appreciate Trump’s offer to rebuild Gaza, they oppose the forced displacement of Palestinians. The move signals growing unease within the Arab American community over Trump’s foreign policy stance.
Arab Americans for Trump Rebrands: Quick Looks
- New Name, New Message: “Arab Americans for Trump” is now “Arab Americans for Peace.”
- Reason for the Change: Trump’s Gaza takeover comments contradicted the group’s stance on Palestinian sovereignty.
- Swing-State Impact: The group helped Trump win Michigan in 2024, a key battleground state.
- Ties to Trump’s Inner Circle: The organization worked closely with Trump’s allies, including Richard Grenell.
- Mixed Reaction: While the group still supports Trump’s leadership, it rejects forced displacement in Gaza.
‘Arab Americans for Trump’ Changes Name Over Gaza ‘Riviera’ Proposal
Deep Look
A key Arab American group that previously backed Donald Trump has distanced itself from the president’s recent comments on Gaza, opting for a name change that reflects a shift in its message.
Why the Name Change?
Trump’s remarks at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sparked international controversy when he declared:
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip. We’ll own it, level it, and redevelop it into ‘the Riviera of the Middle East.’”
This statement, which implied the displacement of Palestinians, drew immediate backlash—including from Arab Americans who had previously supported Trump.
Group Leader: ‘We Oppose Forced Relocation’
Bishara Bahbah, chairman of Arab Americans for Trump, confirmed that the organization would now be called “Arab Americans for Peace.”
In an interview with the Associated Press, Bahbah explained:
“The talk about what the president wants to do with Gaza—obviously, we’re completely opposed to the idea of the transfer of Palestinians from anywhere in Historic Palestine.”
The Group’s Influence in Trump’s 2024 Campaign
Before the name change, Arab Americans for Trump played a significant role in mobilizing Trump’s Arab American voter outreach in swing states like Michigan and Arizona.
- In the 2024 election, Trump became the first Republican since 2000 to win Dearborn, Michigan, home to the largest Arab American population in the U.S.
- The group coordinated meetings between Arab American leaders and Trump allies, including:
- Richard Grenell, now Trump’s envoy for special missions.
- Massad Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law and a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Trump’s Arab American Support Faces Challenges
While the group still appreciates Trump’s efforts to rebuild Gaza, it strongly rejects his suggestion of “taking over” the region and displacing Palestinians.
“We did not want to be behind the curve in terms of pushing for peace,” Bahbah stated, adding that the group had been considering a rebrand for some time.
What’s Next?
This name change signals potential shifts in Trump’s Arab American support base, particularly in Michigan and other swing states.
- Will Arab American voters turn against Trump?
- Can Trump maintain support among his Arab allies while pushing his Gaza plan?
- How will Trump’s Middle East policies impact the 2026 midterms and 2028 election?
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