President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Massad Boulos, a Lebanese billionaire and father-in-law to his youngest daughter Tiffany Trump, as Senior Adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs. Announcing the decision on Truth Social, Trump praised Boulos for his legal and business expertise, alongside his deep-rooted ties to the Arab American community.
“Massad is a dealmaker and an unwavering supporter of peace in the Middle East. He will be a strong advocate for the United States and its interests,” Trump stated.
Boulos, who leads the family-owned automotive company SCOA Nigeria, is well-regarded for his extensive international business experience. He played a crucial role in building coalitions with Arab American voters during Trump’s campaign, particularly in Michigan, which contributed significantly to Trump’s victory in the state.
This appointment reflects Trump’s ongoing trend of incorporating family connections into key roles. Previously, Trump nominated Charles Kushner, father of Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France. However, Jared and Ivanka Trump are not expected to hold roles in Trump’s second term.
Boulos’ influence is expected to shape Middle East policies, especially amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attacks.
With Boulos at the helm of Middle Eastern affairs, Trump’s administration aims to strengthen US-Arab relations and foster peace in the region. Boulos’ background as a lawyer, businessman, and advocate for Republican values positions him as a pivotal figure in these efforts.
Massad Boulos’ appointment underscores Trump’s reliance on trusted allies with strong connections to key voter groups. His experience and advocacy for peace could play a significant role in shaping US policy in the Middle East during Trump’s second term.
