Trump picks Massad Boulos as senior adviser on Middle East affairs
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Father-in-law to Trump's daughter Tiffany, Massoud Boulos has strong political and business ties in Lebanon and Nigeria.
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FILE - Massad Boulos visits The Great Commoner, Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, in Dearborn, Mich. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)
US President-elect Donald Trump has named Lebanese American businessman Massad Boulos as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, according to an announcement made on Sunday via Truth Social.
Boulos, father-in-law to Trump's daughter Tiffany, has strong political and business ties in Lebanon and Nigeria.
According to Reuters, he played a significant role in mobilizing Arab American and Muslim voters during Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.
A strategic pick
Boulos, whose father and grandfather were key figures in Lebanese politics, is well-connected across Lebanon's diverse political spectrum.
Reuters claims that Boulos has maintained relationships with groups ranging from Hezbollah to anti-Hezbollah Christian factions, but these have yet to be confirmed.
According to NewsWeek, Boulos has acknowledged his acquaintance with Suleiman Frangieh, a Lebanese presidential candidate endorsed by Hezbollah. However, Boulos has stated that he is "not affiliated with any party in Lebanon" and is "acquainted with most Lebanese Christian leaders."
Read more: Muslims who voted for Trump upset of his pro-'Israel' cabinet picks
Observers say that his connections could make him a pivotal figure in shaping Trump's Middle East policy, particularly in light of current challenges in US-Israeli relations.
Boulos' nomination marks the second time in recent days that Trump has selected a close family connection for a prominent role in his administration.
On Saturday, Trump announced that Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, would serve as US ambassador to France.
Mobilizing Arab American support
During Trump's campaign, Boulos spearheaded outreach to Arab American and Muslim voters, focusing on key swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.
His efforts, including private meetings and public events, helped Trump win endorsements from Muslim leaders and conservative Arab communities dissatisfied with Democratic policies.
Boulos emphasized Trump's commitment to ending US involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, a message that appealed to many voters frustrated by the Biden administration's handling of policies in Gaza and Lebanon.
"Boulos played a big role in the outreach to Muslim voters," said Rabiul Chowdhury, co-founder of Muslims for Trump. Campaign officials credited Boulos with flipping a significant portion of Michigan's Arab American vote, a key factor in Trump's victory in the state.
Read more: Trump wins Michigan, Harris calls to concede defeat
Political roots, ambitions
Born in Lebanon and raised in Texas, Boulos comes from a prominent Greek Orthodox family. Though he made a brief attempt to enter Lebanese politics in 2018, he has primarily focused on his business ventures and serving as a liaison for Trump's campaign.
While Boulos has not visited Lebanon in recent years, observers suggest his new role could offer an opportunity to influence US-Lebanese relations and advocate for policies beneficial to the region.
However, critics argue that his lack of a clear geopolitical vision raises concerns about how effectively he will navigate the complexities of his new position.
