Trump Appoints Second In-Law to Key Advisory Role

Donald Trump has appointed Massad Boulos, who is the father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany, to serve as an adviser focusing on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. This Lebanese American businessman marks the second in-law to be designated for a role within the upcoming administration. Previously, Mr. Trump selected Charles Kushner, the father-in-law of his daughter Ivanka, for the position of ambassador to France. During the Trump campaign, Mr. Boulos held a significant unofficial capacity, assisting in efforts to attract Arab American and Muslim voters, many of whom expressed dissatisfaction with the Biden administration concerning the Israel-Gaza conflict. In an announcement made via social media, Mr. Trump stated that Mr. Boulos was “instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American community”. On Truth Social, Trump further commented, “He has been a longtime proponent of Republican and Conservative values,” and described Mr. Boulos as an “asset” to his campaign. While campaigning, Mr. Boulos sought to gain the support of Arab American and Muslim voters by assuring them that Trump would bring back peace to the Middle East. These endeavors capitalized on a significant weakness for the Harris campaign, which encountered difficulties in securing backing from Arab and Muslim Americans because of U.S. support for Israel amidst the continuing Israel-Gaza war. “Those massacres would not have happened if there was a strong president at the White House,” Mr. Boulos informed Trump supporters in Arizona earlier this year, referencing the increasing civilian fatalities in Gaza. He added, “The entire war wouldn’t have happened.” The precise manner in which Mr. Boulos plans to utilize his advisory position remains undefined. Having been born in Lebanon, he is recognized for establishing connections with various political groups within his native country. In June, he informed the Associated Press that he considers himself a “friend” of Sleiman Frangieh, a Christian Lebanese politician who maintains an alliance with the Shia Muslim political party and militant organization Hezbollah. The New York Times has reported that Mr. Boulos has previously functioned as an unofficial intermediary between Mr. Trump and leaders in the Middle East. Furthermore, he reportedly held a meeting with Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestinian Authority, during the United Nations General Assembly in September. During that encounter, Mr. Boulos is said to have communicated Mr. Trump’s aspiration to conclude the Israel-Gaza war and other global conflicts. A profile in the New Arab indicates that Mr. Boulos relocated to Texas during his teenage years, where he pursued studies at the University of Houston and earned a law degree. Subsequently, he has been involved with his family’s enterprise—a Nigeria-based, billion-dollar corporation specializing in the distribution of motor vehicles and equipment throughout West Africa. In contrast to certain other appointments made by Mr. Trump, Mr. Boulos’s advisory capacity does not necessitate confirmation by the U.S. Senate.