West Palm Beach: President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman and father-in-law to Trump’s daughter Tiffany, as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Boulos played a pivotal role in the Trump campaign by fostering engagement with Arab American communities, particularly in Michigan, where discontent over Democratic President Joe Biden’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon helped Trump secure key wins.
Boulos, a proponent of Republican values, organized extensive outreach in Arab-American-dominated areas such as Dearborn Heights, a Democratic stronghold where Trump made significant gains. Trump praised Boulos on Truth Social, citing his ability to build coalitions and emphasizing his commitment to Middle East peace.
Despite Trump’s declaration of peace ambitions, specifics of his Middle East strategy remain unclear. Boulos has a history of political involvement in Lebanon and longstanding connections with influential figures there. Trump’s other national security picks, including Mike Huckabee as ambassador to Israel and Pete Hegseth as defense secretary, are known for strong pro-Israel stances, raising questions about the administration’s approach to Palestinian issues.
This appointment continues Trump’s practice of involving family members and close associates in key positions. Over the weekend, Trump also announced plans to nominate Jared Kushner’s father, Charles Kushner, as ambassador to France, signaling a continuation of his personalized governance style.
