In a move drawing significant attention, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Massad Boulos, the billionaire father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, as Senior Advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs. Announced Sunday via Truth Social, the decision highlights Boulos’ extensive connections to the Arab world and underscores his role in engaging diverse voter communities during Trump’s recent campaign.
Trump shared his enthusiasm for the appointment, praising Boulos as a trusted ally and accomplished figure.
“I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs. Massad is a dealmaker and an unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East,” Trump declared.
Trump also credited Boulos with helping solidify ties with the Arab American community during the campaign. He emphasized Boulos’ ability to advance U.S. interests in a complex and often volatile region.
Boulos was a visible figure on the campaign trail, particularly in outreach efforts targeting Arab American voters. His engagement was part of a broader strategy to expand Trump’s appeal among traditionally underrepresented communities, positioning him as a unifier in a deeply polarized landscape.
Aron Lund, a fellow at the Century Foundation, noted Boulos’ political ties in Lebanon as a key component of his influence.
“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,” Lund observed.
Boulos’ connections in the Middle East are extensive and span both sides of the Lebanese political spectrum. His ties range from Suleiman Frangieh, a Christian ally of Hezbollah, to members of the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces Party. This dual affiliation underscores Boulos’ pragmatic approach to diplomacy, enabling him to navigate the region’s fractured political landscape.
Reuters reported that Boulos’ business ventures and political affiliations reflect his capacity to build alliances across ideological divides. These skills are expected to be instrumental in shaping U.S. policy in the Middle East under the Trump administration.
This appointment follows Trump’s announcement of Charles Kushner, father of Jared Kushner, as U.S. Ambassador to France, raising questions about nepotism within the administration. Critics argue that appointing family members to influential roles sends the wrong message about merit and transparency.
Supporters, however, view the appointments as a strategic move to leverage trusted relationships. They highlight the alignment of shared goals and values between Trump and his appointees, suggesting that trust and loyalty outweigh conventional optics.
Boulos’ appointment signals a continuation of Trump’s emphasis on deal-making and coalition-building in the Middle East. During his first administration, Trump’s team brokered historic agreements, including the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Analysts predict that Boulos’ background in business and his ties to various factions will enable him to contribute significantly to policy decisions. His influence is expected to complement Trump’s broader vision for a redefined U.S. role in the region, focusing on peace, prosperity, and U.S. interests.
Reactions to Boulos’ selection have been polarized. Critics have called it an example of nepotism, questioning whether familial connections outweigh professional qualifications. Supporters counter that Boulos’ multifaceted background as a lawyer, businessman, and political influencer positions him uniquely for the role.
Political analysts believe that Boulos’ dual ability to foster peace and secure strategic interests will make him a key figure in shaping U.S. relations with the Middle East. His deep roots in Arab American communities also provide a vital connection between domestic and international policy goals.
As Trump prepares to assume office, Boulos’ appointment represents a bold bet on bridging divides and advancing diplomacy in one of the world’s most volatile regions. Supporters argue that his experience and loyalty to Trump’s vision will make him a valuable asset in addressing the Middle East’s multifaceted challenges.
Whether Boulos’ approach will deliver the outcomes Trump envisions remains to be seen, but his appointment ensures that all eyes will be on the administration’s evolving Middle East strategy.
