US President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday appointed Lebanese-American businessman Massad Boulos as his senior advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
“I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs,” Trump posted on Truth Social of the appointment, which puts his daughter Tiffany’s father-in-law in a major White House position.
Boulos played a crucial role as a key emissary during the Trump campaign, particularly in rallying support among Arab American and Muslim voters, many of whom were frustrated by President Joe Biden’s unwavering support for Israel during the Gaza conflict, despite the rising civilian death toll.
Taking on a challenging role, Boulos will navigate a portfolio marked by ongoing tensions in Gaza, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon with early violations, and advancing rebel forces in Syria threatening the government of Bashar al-Assad.
Boulos’s son, Michael, is married to Trump’s daughter Tiffany, making him the latest family member appointed to a significant position.
Additionally, on Saturday, Trump selected real estate executive Charles Kushner — the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner — as his nominee for US ambassador to France. This appointment reflects Trump’s ongoing trend of prioritizing familial connections over experience or expertise when filling key roles.
“Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene,” said Trump of his appointment to the Middle East advisor job.
“He 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.”
The Republican referred to Boulos as “a dealmaker.”
Boulos played a significant role as a key emissary for the Trump campaign, assisting in mobilizing Arab American and Muslim voters, many of whom were angered by President Joe Biden’s consistent support for Israel during the Gaza war, despite the mounting civilian casualties.
He will now manage a complex portfolio, with Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon facing early violations, and rebel forces in Syria making progress against Bashar al-Assad’s government.
Boulos’s son, Michael, is married to Trump’s daughter Tiffany.
On Saturday, Trump appointed real estate executive Charles Kushner — the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner — as his nominee for US ambassador to France. This is another instance of Trump prioritizing familial connections over experience or expertise when selecting his team.
“Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene,” said Trump of his appointment to the Middle East advisor job.
“He 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.”
The Republican referred to Boulos as “a dealmaker.”
‘Finish it quickly’
Trump often promised on the campaign trail to bring a swift end to the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and elsewhere, without specifying how he would do so.
Speaking to UK-based broadcaster Sky News in October, Boulos said it was important to finish the war “quickly.”
“What do we mean by finishing it quickly is, I mean, you have some military targets that you have to accomplish, which is to get rid of the Hamas infrastructure and ability to launch new attacks and so on,” he said.
“Let’s move to peace, and let’s move to rebuilding Gaza and rebuilding Lebanon,” he added.
“We want Gaza to be prosperous. We want the Palestinian people to be prosperous, to live in peace, to live in harmony, side by side with the Israelis and full security on both sides.”
Boulos’s family operates at least two automotive parts distribution companies in Nigeria.
The businessman, who is a member of the Christian Maronite community, has previously unsuccessfully campaigned for a seat in the Lebanese parliament.