In a significant move, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman and family relative, as a senior advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Massad Boulos, the father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany, has been tapped to serve as a senior advisor on Middle East affairs. Boulos has been instrumental in rallying the Arab American community in Michigan, which played a crucial role in Trump’s electoral success in the state. His efforts included organizing multiple meetings in regions with significant Arab American populations, notably those displeased with Democratic President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
Trump’s strategic appointment of Boulos comes amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East and aims to leverage his longstanding connections with political figures in Lebanon. Boulos has previously pursued political office in Lebanon, enhancing his credentials for this advisory role. The appointment underscores the Republican President-elect’s approach to the region, which, despite its peace-promoting rhetoric, lacks specific details.
A vocal supporter of Republican and Conservative values, Boulos has been a key figure in establishing new coalitions with the Arab American community. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, acknowledged Boulos’ contributions, describing him as a ‘dealmaker’ committed to Middle East peace. This aligns with Trump’s broader pattern of appointing family members and relatives to influential positions in his administration.
However, Boulos’ appointment is not without controversy. Other critical national security appointments by Trump, such as Mike Huckabee for ambassador to Israel and Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, have raised concerns. Both are ardent supporters of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and have taken hardline stances that could exacerbate regional tensions. Huckabee’s dismissal of a Palestinian state and Hegseth’s advocacy for rebuilding a Jewish temple on the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque illustrate the complexities surrounding Trump’s Middle East policy.
The selection of Boulos is part of a broader strategy to capitalize on dissent within the Democratic base over Israeli military actions. The Arab American community’s dissatisfaction, particularly concerning President Biden’s policies, has proven advantageous for Trump. In the 2024 election, Trump managed to carry Michigan over Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, with 49.7% of the vote, highlighting Boulos’ impact on the campaign.
Massad Boulos’ appointment as a senior advisor reflects President-elect Trump’s commitment to involving trusted allies in his administration. While the decision underscores a focus on Middle Eastern affairs, it also raises questions about the implications of such appointments on regional stability. As the transition unfolds, the effectiveness of Boulos’ advisory role in shaping policies that aim to bring peace to the Middle East remains to be seen.
Source: News4jax
