US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he would appoint Massad Boulos, a Lebanese billionaire and father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany Trump, as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Trump described Boulos as an accomplished lawyer and a respected business leader with extensive international experience. He highlighted Boulos’ long-standing support for Republican and Conservative values, as well as his instrumental role in fostering strong relationships with the Arab American community during the campaign.
“I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene. 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.
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, and I am pleased to have him on our team!” Trump said in a social media post on Truth Social.
According to The Hill, this appointment is part of a broader trend of family connections in Trump’s administration, with Trump previously announcing the nomination of Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France.
While Jared and Ivanka Trump had roles during the first term, they are not expected to return for Trump’s second term, The Hill reported.
Boulos has spent years fostering relationships across the political and economic landscapes of Nigeria and Lebanon. Known for his ability to navigate complex political environments, Boulos has reportedly met with Arab and Muslim leaders, as well as Lebanese stakeholders, during Trump’s campaign, strengthening support for Trump’s re-election bid.
Business and Political Influence in Nigeria
Born in Lebanon, Boulos moved to Nigeria as a young man, where his family established a thriving business empire. The Boulos Enterprises Group, a name synonymous with Nigeria’s industrial growth, has contributed significantly to the country’s economic development through manufacturing, importation, and distribution of goods. His long-standing ties to Nigeria’s business community have earned him respect as a bridge between African and Middle Eastern markets.
Boulos’ Nigerian connection also helped foster an African narrative in Trump’s re-election campaign, with outreach to Nigerian-American communities in key swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania. This strategy resonated with conservative voters concerned about U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and African economic partnerships under the Biden administration.
Bridging Divides in Lebanon
In Lebanon, Boulos is known for maintaining relationships with factions across the country’s deeply divided political spectrum. While he has ties to Hezbollah-linked Christian allies such as Suleiman Frangieh, he also engages with groups like the anti-Hezbollah Lebanese Forces Party. Such rare versatility has made him an influential figure in Lebanese politics.
However, his Lebanese political ambitions have been limited by the sectarian structure of the country’s government. As a Greek Orthodox Christian, his path to higher office has been capped at positions like deputy speaker of parliament. Nevertheless, his new advisory role in Trump’s administration could give him the political leverage that eluded him in Lebanon.
Impact on Trump’s Campaign
Boulos played a critical role in mobilizing Arab and Muslim voters during Trump’s campaign, particularly in Michigan, where Arab-American and Muslim populations are significant. Campaign officials credited Boulos with flipping voter blocs that had previously leaned Democratic by addressing concerns over U.S. policies in Lebanon and Gaza.
Boulos also spearheaded efforts to connect with African and Middle Eastern immigrant communities, organizing meetings and private events to build trust in Trump’s vision for international diplomacy. His Nigerian connections helped engage voters of African descent, emphasizing economic growth and anti-war policies.
A New Opportunity
Boulos’ appointment has sparked optimism among some in Lebanon and Nigeria who see his role as a potential bridge to influence U.S. policies favorably toward their regions. His deep business roots in Nigeria and connections to Lebanon’s political elite position him as a unique player in Trump’s team, blending African, Middle Eastern, and American perspectives.
For now, the appointment reflects Trump’s strategy of leaning on family ties and trusted allies as he prepares for a potential return to the White House. Whether Massad Boulos’ Nigerian and Lebanese ties will bring tangible benefits to these regions remains to be seen, but his diverse background offers an intriguing element to Trump’s advisory.
Written with agency reports