Trump Middle East policy/ Massad Boulos/ Arab American voters/ Middle East peace/ Israel relations/ WEST PALM BEACH/ Fla./ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman and father-in-law to Tiffany Trump, as senior adviser for Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Boulos played a crucial role in mobilizing Arab American support during Trump’s campaign, helping secure key swing states like Michigan. His appointment signals Trump’s continued focus on family ties in high-profile positions and aligns with his administration’s strong support for Israel.
Massad Boulos Joins Trump’s Team: Quick Looks
- Key Appointment: Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law, will serve as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
- Arab American Outreach: Boulos mobilized Arab American voters in Michigan, crucial to Trump’s swing state victories.
- Middle East Focus: Trump emphasizes peace in the region but has yet to detail specific plans.
- Family Connections: The appointment continues Trump’s trend of installing family members and relatives in key roles.
- Controversial Picks: Other Trump appointees include Mike Huckabee, opposed to a Palestinian state, and Pete Hegseth, advocating rebuilding a Jewish temple at a contested holy site.
Trump Names Massad Boulos Senior Adviser for Middle East Affairs
Deep Look
Boulos’ Role in Trump’s Campaign and Administration
Massad Boulos, a prominent Lebanese American businessman, played a pivotal role in President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign by engaging Arab American voters in Michigan, particularly in areas discontented with Democratic policies on Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon. This outreach contributed to Trump’s swing state wins, including a narrow victory in Michigan, a state he lost in 2020.
Boulos has now been tapped as senior adviser for Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Trump praised him as a “dealmaker” and emphasized Boulos’ commitment to fostering peace in the region, though neither has elaborated on concrete plans.
Boulos’ Background
With previous political aspirations in Lebanon and connections to key figures there, Boulos brings a mix of business acumen and regional familiarity to the role. His appointment aligns with Trump’s pattern of leveraging familial connections, as Boulos is the father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany.
Middle East Policy and Appointments
Boulos’ appointment accompanies a suite of controversial nominations for Trump’s upcoming administration, which reflect a staunchly pro-Israel stance. Key figures include:
- Mike Huckabee: Selected as ambassador to Israel, Huckabee rejects the concept of a Palestinian state and has made inflammatory remarks about Palestinian identity.
- Pete Hegseth: Trump’s pick for defense secretary has advocated for rebuilding a Jewish temple at the site of Al-Aqsa Mosque, a move likely to escalate tensions in the region.
Arab American Voter Impact
Boulos capitalized on frustration within the Democratic base regarding President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, where over 44,000 lives were lost in the 2023 conflict, according to Hamas health officials. This discontent helped Trump secure victories in areas with significant Arab American populations, including Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
Trump’s re-election has brought renewed scrutiny to his strategy of appointing close associates and relatives to key positions. On Saturday, Trump announced plans to nominate Charles Kushner, his son-in-law’s father, as ambassador to France, further reinforcing this approach.
What’s Next?
- Middle East Strategy: Trump’s administration is expected to outline detailed plans for Middle East peace and U.S. involvement.
- Regional Implications: Controversial appointments may heighten tensions in the region, particularly with Palestinian groups.
- Arab American Relations: Continued outreach will shape Trump’s relationship with the Arab American community.
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