Donald Trump has named Lebanese-American businessman Massad Boulos as his Senior Advisor for Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. The appointment, which places Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law in a key White House role, was announced via Truth Social on Sunday. Boulos, who was a major figure in mobilizing Arab American and Muslim voters during Trump’s campaign, is now tasked with handling complex issues in the region, including ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
Boulos, a Maronite Christian and accomplished lawyer, has extensive international experience. He has also been an advocate for Republican and Conservative values, playing a pivotal role in building new coalitions with the Arab American community. His business background includes managing automotive parts distribution companies in Nigeria.
Trump praised Boulos as a “dealmaker” and highlighted his significant contributions to the Trump campaign, especially in reaching out to Arab and Muslim voters who were dissatisfied with Joe Biden’s policies. Boulos’s stance on the Gaza conflict emphasizes a swift resolution, targeting Hamas infrastructure and promoting peace and prosperity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.
This appointment follows a trend of Trump selecting family allies and loyalists for key positions rather than prioritizing experience or expertise. Boulos’s selection, like other recent appointments, raise questions about the lack of traditional qualifications for such high-profile roles.
In addition to Boulos, Trump recently named Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared, as his pick for US Ambassador to France. These choices reflect Trump’s ongoing strategy of placing close family associates in positions of power, despite criticism over their qualifications.