Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made a controversial decision by naming Massad Boulos, his daughter Tiffany’s father-in-law, as an adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. This move marks the second time Trump has appointed a relative through marriage to a significant role, following his earlier selection of Charles Kushner, Ivanka Trump’s father-in-law, as ambassador to France.
The appointment of Mr. Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman, reflects Trump’s broader strategy of leveraging familial ties to shape his political agenda. Announcing the decision on Truth Social, Trump praised Boulos for being “instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American community” during his campaign.
Building Bridges with Arab American Voters
Boulos played a key role in Trump’s outreach to Arab American and Muslim voters, a demographic that has expressed growing frustration with the Biden administration over its handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict. During the campaign, Boulos emphasized Trump’s ability to restore peace in the Middle East, contrasting it with what he called the “weak leadership” of the current administration.
“Those massacres would not have happened if there was a strong president at the White House,” Boulos said at a rally in Arizona, referring to the civilian casualties in Gaza. He argued that the conflict could have been prevented under Trump’s leadership.
This messaging appears to have resonated with many Arab and Muslim Americans, who have criticized the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel despite the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Boulos’s efforts reportedly helped Trump gain ground in communities traditionally less aligned with Republican values.
A Controversial Figure
Massad Boulos’s ties to Middle Eastern political figures and factions have drawn scrutiny. Born in Lebanon, Boulos has established relationships with influential figures in his homeland, including Sleiman Frangieh, a Christian politician allied with Hezbollah. These connections have raised questions about how he will navigate his role as an adviser while balancing his personal affiliations.
Boulos has also acted as an informal liaison for Trump in the past. The New York Times reported that he met Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in September. During this meeting, he conveyed Trump’s commitment to ending the Israel-Gaza war and addressing other global conflicts.
Business Background
In addition to his political connections, Boulos brings extensive business experience to his advisory role. After moving to Texas as a teenager, he earned a law degree from the University of Houston before joining his family’s billion-dollar enterprise, which distributes motor vehicles and equipment across West Africa.
This business acumen, combined with his ties to Arab and Muslim communities, positions Boulos as a unique asset to the Trump team. However, critics argue that his appointment underscores Trump’s preference for personal loyalty over expertise in key government roles.
Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy
It remains to be seen how Boulos will leverage his advisory position. His connections in the Middle East could facilitate dialogue with various factions, but they may also complicate U.S. diplomatic efforts in a region fraught with tension.
Trump’s choice of Boulos signals his intention to strengthen ties with Arab American voters and reassert his influence in Middle Eastern affairs. As Trump continues to build his team, the appointment raises broader questions about the role of family and loyalty in shaping U.S. foreign policy under his leadership.
While some see Boulos as a bridge between Trump and the Middle East, others worry that his personal affiliations could blur the lines between private interests and public service. For now, Boulos’s influence in shaping U.S. policy remains a topic of significant debate.
