After naming Charles Kushner as the envoy to France, President-elect Donald Trump has picked Massad Boulos, father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany, as the senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Boulos was heavily involved in campaigning for Trump in Arab American communities in swing states. As a result, Trump won the majority Arab American city of Dearborn Heights on his way to sweeping Michigan and other swing states.
Also read | Why Trump picked Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared as envoy to France
People in the Arab American community were angered by US President Joe Biden's backing of Israel leading to the Gaza and Lebanon offensive.
Boulos 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 said in a post on Truth Social.
By roping Boulos, the Trump administration attempts to bring peace to the Middle East.
Who is Massad Boulos?
Being a Lebanese businessman, Boulos has long-standing ties with the political figures in the country.
Boulos relocated to Texas during his teenage years to study at the University of Houston. His professional journey began in Nigeria, where he advanced to leadership positions at SCOA and Boulos Enterprises.
"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," said Trump.
Boulos helped capitalise on dissension within the Democratic base over support for the Israeli offensive in Gaza, where more than 44,000 people have died since Hamas' attacks on October 7 last year.
It was also reported that Boulos contested a parliamentary seat in 2009 and maintained connections with Lebanon's Christian political establishment. However, Boulos said he holds no party affiliations.
By naming Boulos, Trump has again raised questions about conflicts of interest and nepotism. Charles Kushner is the father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Jared and Ivanka Trump got married in 2009.