LANSING, Mich. — In a recent political development, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed key figures in his administration who are firm advocates for Israel. This has raised concerns among Arab Americans, especially after Trump secured a significant voter turnout in several prominent Arab-majority cities as well as across all six battleground states. A notable appointment is the ambassador to Israel, who has previously stated that there is no existence of Palestinians.
Interestingly, the two advisers responsible for Trump’s outreach to the Arab American community have not yet been included in any significant roles within the administration. Many Arab Americans in Michigan have shared mixed feelings regarding Trump’s selections. Some believe that Trump’s steadfast support for Israel does not automatically align them with his presidency, especially in their opposition to Vice President Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, others who actively backed Trump expect that he will take the lead in shaping policies regarding the Middle East and hope to see his commitment to ending ongoing conflicts in the region fulfilled.
Albert Abbas, a prominent figure in the Lebanese American community and brother of a restaurant owner in Dearborn where Trump made an appearance during his campaign, spoke in favor of the president after that visit. He remarked that it is premature to form a definitive opinion on Trump’s presidency, suggesting that the community should allow him the necessary time to work towards peace. Abbas emphasized, “Consider what the alternative was,” alluding to the current administration’s handling of crises in Israel and Lebanon, and questioned what action was expected from the community.
Despite Trump’s pledges of peace in the Middle East, concrete plans remain elusive. His transition team has not provided any detailed responses regarding his policies. During the campaign, much of the focus from Trump’s supporters was directed at criticizing Harris, while the stark realities of the conflict, highlighted by significant loss of life in Gaza and Lebanon, have fueled dissatisfaction among Arab and Muslim voters towards the Biden administration’s support for Israel.
Amin Hashmi, a Pakistani American who supported Trump, expressed disappointment but nonetheless reinforced the need for him to honor his campaign promises specific to Arab Americans in Michigan.
Trump’s administration selections have sparked concern, specifically regarding former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s nomination as ambassador to Israel. Huckabee’s stance against a Palestinian state and his previous remarks denying the existence of Palestinians have alarmed many within the community. Other appointees also maintain a strong pro-Israel stance, especially amidst recent conflicts with Hamas following a deadly attack on October 7, 2023, where a significant number of Israeli lives were lost, and many were taken hostage.
Senator Marco Rubio, nominated for Secretary of State, has publicly opposed a ceasefire, emphasizing a desire to see Hamas completely dismantled. Elites nominated for significant roles, such as New York Representative Elise Stefanik as ambassador to the United Nations, have also taken firm stands against funding agencies that provide relief to Gaza, further solidifying the administration’s pro-Israel approach.
The Republican Jewish Coalition has been vocal in their support for Trump’s cabinet choices, labeling them as a “pro-Israel dream team.” Coalition political director Sam Markstein praised the appointments and emphasized that previous attempts to find a balanced approach in foreign policy are no longer viable, asserting that a strong partnership between Israel and the United States is vital for regional stability.
However, notable figures in Trump’s outreach to Arab Americans, such as Massad Boulos and Richard Grenell, have yet to be assigned roles despite their instrumental involvement leading up to the election. Boulos, who has connections to Trump’s family, had been heavily involved in fostering relationships within the Arab American community, organizing events across Michigan.
The absence of roles for these key advocates has led some community members to reconsider their expectations of Trump’s administration. Osama Siblani, the publisher of the Arab American News, highlighted that many may feel let down by the current circumstances. “Some expected Trump to be different,” he noted, reflecting on the decision-making process that led to support for Trump over other candidates amid significant geopolitical tensions.
As the new administration takes shape, the dynamics and future of U.S. relations with Arab Americans and Muslims remain uncertain, with many members of these communities keenly observing the unfolding developments.
