In a move that has sparked significant attention, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Massad Boulos, the billionaire father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany Trump, as Senior Advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. The announcement, made Sunday on Truth Social, highlights Boulos’ deep connections to the Arab world and his role in building new coalitions for Trump’s campaign.
Trump shared the news with enthusiasm, stating:
“I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.”
The president-elect praised Boulos as an accomplished lawyer, a respected business leader, and a staunch advocate for Republican values. Trump also credited Boulos for helping to strengthen ties with the Arab American community during the campaign.
“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, and I am pleased to have him on our team!”
Boulos played a pivotal role during the election season, joining Trump on the campaign trail to engage with Arab American voters. His efforts were seen as part of a broader strategy to expand Trump’s appeal within diverse communities.
Aron Lund, a fellow at the Century Foundation, described Boulos as a figure well-positioned to influence Trump’s Middle East policy.
“Boulos’ Lebanese political past gives no real indication of a geostrategic or even national vision, but it demonstrates ambition and a set of political allies that will stand out in Trump’s circle like a sore thumb,” Lund observed.
Boulos’ connections in the region are extensive. According to reports, he maintains relationships with Lebanese political factions on both sides of the spectrum, from Suleiman Frangieh, a Christian ally of Hezbollah, to the Lebanese Forces Party, an anti-Hezbollah faction.
Trump highlighted Boulos’ strong stance on peace in the Middle East, emphasizing his ability to act as a bridge-builder in a region often fraught with tension.
“Massad is committed to fostering peace and advancing U.S. interests in the region,” Trump said.
Boulos’ experience in the business world and his political connections are expected to play a key role in shaping U.S. policy in the Middle East under the Trump administration.
The appointment of Boulos marks the second high-profile role awarded to one of Trump’s sons-in-law over the weekend. On Saturday, Trump announced Charles Kushner, the father of Ivanka Trump’s husband Jared Kushner, as the U.S. ambassador to France.
The dual appointments have drawn mixed reactions, with critics questioning the optics of family members occupying influential roles in the administration. Supporters, however, view the moves as leveraging trusted relationships to advance the administration’s goals.
Boulos’ career spans law, business, and international relations. As a prominent businessman, he has been involved in ventures across the Middle East and beyond, giving him a unique perspective on the region’s complex dynamics.
Reuters notes that Boulos’ political affiliations in Lebanon reflect a pragmatic approach to building alliances. His ties to both Hezbollah-aligned figures and vehemently anti-Hezbollah factions suggest a capacity to navigate diverse political landscapes.
This multifaceted background is expected to inform his approach to advising on Middle Eastern affairs, where diplomacy often requires balancing competing interests.
Boulos’ appointment signals a continuation of Trump’s focus on reshaping U.S. policy in the Middle East. During his previous administration, Trump brokered several landmark agreements, including the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
With Boulos on board, analysts predict a renewed emphasis on deal-making and coalition-building in the region. His connections within the Arab American community also underscore Trump’s commitment to engaging with diverse voices as part of his policy initiatives.
The selection of Massad Boulos as Senior Advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs reflects Trump’s tendency to think outside the box when assembling his team. By choosing a trusted family connection with extensive ties to the region, Trump is betting on Boulos’ ability to navigate the intricacies of Middle Eastern politics and promote U.S. interests.
While critics may question the optics of the appointment, supporters argue that Boulos’ unique background and demonstrated loyalty make him well-suited to the role. As Trump prepares to take office, Boulos’ influence on Middle Eastern policy will be closely watched by allies and adversaries alike.
