Massad Boulos : “Trump Allies Look to Tiffany’s Father-in-Law to Flip Arab American Votes in Michigan”

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Representing Donald Trump’s efforts to engage with Arab Americans is Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-born businessman now based in Texas. Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Boulos recently gained attention for his family ties to the former president when his son married Trump’s younger daughter, Tiffany.

With a focus on persuading Arab Americans, who are currently discontent with President Joe Biden, Boulos faces challenges due to Trump’s controversial stance on issues such as Israel and Islamophobia. Despite this, Boulos has taken on the role of bridging the gap between the Arab American community and Trump’s campaign for the 2024 election.

Trump’s Family Connections in Politics

Trump has a history of involving family members and their relatives in key roles within his campaigns and administration. Boulos, with his son’s marriage to Tiffany Trump, has now emerged as a prominent figure in Trump’s political circle. Leveraging his connections, Boulos aims to garner support for Trump’s upcoming campaign, particularly in states like Michigan where Arab Americans play a significant role.

Amidst growing disapproval of Biden’s policies, especially regarding the Israeli offensive in Gaza, Boulos and other Trump allies see an opportunity to sway Arab American voters towards Trump. However, critics point out Trump’s controversial remarks and actions towards Arabs and Muslims during his presidency, raising concerns within the community.

Boulos’ Background and Political Journey

Born in Lebanon, Boulos moved to Texas for his education and eventually joined his family’s business, SCOA Nigeria, which focuses on vehicle assembly and distribution. With prior involvement in politics in Lebanon, including a run for a parliamentary seat, Boulos has a nuanced understanding of political dynamics.

Having supported Trump from a distance, Boulos deepened his engagement after meeting the former president in 2019. While he has not made recent donations, Boulos has been actively involved in Trump’s campaign activities, especially since his son’s marriage to Tiffany Trump elevated his role.

Challenges and Community Engagement

Despite his efforts to reconnect with Arab American friends and leaders, Boulos faces skepticism within the community. Critics question the substance of Trump’s promises and policies, highlighting the need for tangible benefits for Arab Americans rather than familial connections.

While Boulos maintains a close working relationship with groups like Arab Americans for Trump, some community members remain unconvinced of Trump’s suitability for their interests. With ongoing outreach efforts and meetings, Boulos aims to convey the concerns and feedback of the Arab American community to Trump’s campaign.

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 election approaches, Boulos continues to balance his corporate responsibilities with his engagement in Trump’s outreach efforts. Emphasizing his role as a concerned citizen and Republican, Boulos remains focused on addressing the needs and aspirations of the Arab American community.

With contrasting views between Trump supporters and critics within the Arab American community, the upcoming election promises to be a crucial juncture for political engagement and decision-making.