LANSING, Mich. — A significant organization that was instrumental in mobilizing Donald Trump’s support among the Arab American demographic has announced a transformation in its branding following controversial statements made by the President regarding the Gaza Strip. The group, which previously operated under the name Arab Americans for Trump, will now be known as Arab Americans for Peace, as confirmed by its chairman Bishara Bahbah during a recent phone interview.
The rebranding comes on the heels of Trump’s press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where he discussed the idea of the U.S. taking “ownership” of Gaza and transforming it into a luxurious destination reminiscent of the Riviera. “We completely oppose the notion of transferring Palestinians from any part of Historic Palestine,” Bahbah stated, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to advocating for peace since its inception.
Arab Americans for Trump played a vital role in voter engagement strategies for the 2024 presidential election, particularly in battleground regions like Michigan and Arizona. While operating independently from Trump’s campaign, the group was responsible for facilitating discussions between regional leaders in the Arab American community and several of Trump’s advisers, such as Richard Grenell, who currently holds the position of Trump’s envoy for special missions, and Massad Boulos, an important figure in Trump’s personal circle and senior adviser on Middle Eastern affairs.
In the previous election, Trump made history by being the first Republican presidential nominee to capture Dearborn, Michigan, which has the largest Arab American population in the United States, since 2000. His campaign visit to Dearborn occurred on November 1. Bahbah noted that the idea to change the organization’s name had been under consideration for some time, but the definitive choice to proceed came on the day of Trump’s press conference. It is noteworthy that Bahbah had identified the group as Arab Americans for Trump in an interview just before the conference.
In an official statement released by Arab Americans for Peace, the organization expressed gratitude for the President’s proposal to assist in the reconstruction of Gaza. However, they voiced strong disapproval of his comments regarding the takeover of Gaza and the potential displacement of its Palestinian population. The group’s shift towards advocating for peace reflects their ongoing commitment to prioritize humanitarian concerns in the region.
