US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Massad Boulos as Senior Advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs. Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman, is the latest family member to join Trump’s inner circle. Tiffany Trump, Trump’s daughter, is married to Michael Boulos, Massad’s son.
Trump announced the appointment on Truth Social, highlighting Boulos’s role in building coalitions with Arab American voters. Boulos helped mobilize these voters, many disillusioned by President Biden’s support for Israel during the Gaza war.
Challenges Await in the Middle East
Boulos steps into his role during heightened tensions in the Middle East. The conflict in Gaza rages on, with rising civilian casualties. Additionally, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah faces early violations. In Syria, rebel forces continue to challenge the Assad regime.
Trump praised Boulos as a skilled lawyer and international business leader. He described Boulos as a “dealmaker” with deep ties to Republican values. Trump emphasized Boulos’s pivotal role in strengthening ties with the Arab American community.
The Controversial Appointments Continue
Trump’s recent picks have sparked criticism for prioritizing loyalty over expertise. On Saturday, Trump named Charles Kushner as U.S. Ambassador to France. Kushner, father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared, previously served time for tax evasion.
In another bold move, Trump selected loyalist Kash Patel as FBI Director, replacing the current leader. Patel has championed the notion of a “deep state” opposing Trump, even authoring a book on the topic.
Boulos Advocates for Quick Conflict Resolution
Massad Boulos recently stressed the importance of swiftly ending the Gaza conflict. Speaking to Sky News, he called for targeting Hamas infrastructure to pave the way for peace. He advocated for rebuilding Gaza and fostering prosperity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
Boulos’s family runs automotive parts companies in Nigeria. A Christian Maronite, Boulos previously ran unsuccessfully for a seat in Lebanon’s parliament.
