US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Nigerian-Lebanese businessman Massad Boulos as senior advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Announcing the decision on Truth Social, Trump highlighted Boulos’ role in mobilising Arab American and Muslim voters during the campaign, particularly those discontented with President Joe Biden’s handling of the Gaza war.
“Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene,” Trump stated.
“He has been a longtime proponent of Republican and conservative values, an asset to my campaign, and was instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community.”
Trump also praised Boulos as “a dealmaker.”
Boulos will face significant challenges in his new role, including ongoing violence in Gaza, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and escalating rebel advances in Syria.
The businessman, who belongs to the Maronite Christian community, has a background in law and business and previously ran unsuccessfully for a seat in the Lebanese parliament. His family operates automotive parts distribution companies in Nigeria.
This appointment follows Trump’s trend of selecting family members or close allies for key roles. Boulos’s son Michael is married to Trump’s daughter Tiffany.
In related announcements, Trump also named Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France, and loyalist Kash Patel as FBI director. Critics argue that Trump’s selections prioritise loyalty and personal connections over expertise.
Boulos, who has voiced support for rebuilding Gaza and fostering peace in the Middle East, emphasised the need for a swift resolution to ongoing conflicts.
Speaking in October, he stated, “We want Gaza to be prosperous. We want the Palestinian people to be prosperous, to live in peace, to live in harmony, side by side with the Israelis and full security on both sides.”
