President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of Massad Boulos as Senior Adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs. The most recent member of Trump's family to land a high-profile position in his administration is the father-in-law of Trump's daughter Tiffany, a Lebanese-American billionaire. Truth Social made the news on Sunday.
BREAKING: Trump announces that Massad Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law, will serve as his Senior Advisor on Middle Eastern affairs.Boulos traveled with Trump to Hamtramck, and Dearborn, Michigan on the campaign trail — and helped make inroads with the Arab vote. pic.twitter.com/HIIYJqZuCm
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) December 1, 2024
“I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Adviser to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs,” Trump said. He cited Boulos's commercial savvy, leadership abilities, and broad global experience as essential requirements for the role.
Navigating a Challenging Portfolio
As tensions in the Middle East rise, Boulos takes on his new position. A tenuous truce with Hezbollah in Lebanon is being repeatedly violated, while Israel's battle in Gaza is further intensifying. Rebel troops in Syria have made progress against the regime of Bashar al-Assad. Boulos will need to use tactful diplomacy and smart navigation to navigate the region's complicated political and military realities.
Role in the Trump Campaign
Trump's presidential campaign relied heavily on Boulos. He concentrated on enlisting Muslim and Arab American voters, many of whom voiced discontent with the current U.S. strategy in Gaza. Trump praised Boulos for creating "tremendous new coalitions" in local neighborhoods and called him a "dealmaker."
Family Connections in the White House
Boulos's hiring comes after Trump made another high-profile choice. Charles Kushner, the father of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law, was appointed U.S. Ambassador to France by Trump on Saturday. Important White House positions are further entwined with family ties through the marriage of Michael, Boulos's own son, to Tiffany Trump.
Business and Legal Expertise
Boulos is a renowned leader in international business and a skilled attorney. His vast background in international business is in line with his new duties. Trump spoke to Boulos as a "asset to my campaign," highlighting his dedication to conservative and Republican principles.