Former US President Donald Trump has appointed another member of his extended family, Michael Boulos, as a key adviser for his ongoing political campaign. Trump announced the appointment on his social media platform, Truth Social, describing Boulos as “a longtime proponent of Republican and Conservative values” and an “asset” to his team.
Boulos’ Role and Influence
Boulos has emerged as a significant figure on the campaign trail, particularly in his outreach to Arab American and Muslim voters. He has positioned Trump as a leader who could bring peace to the Middle East, leveraging this message to exploit vulnerabilities in Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign. Harris has faced challenges in gaining support from these communities, largely due to US backing of Israel during the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
“These massacres would not have happened if there was a strong president at the White House,” Boulos stated during a rally in Arizona earlier this year, referring to civilian casualties in Gaza. “The entire war wouldn’t have happened.”
While the specifics of Boulos’ advisory role remain unclear, his background and connections suggest he will play a pivotal part in shaping Trump’s Middle Eastern policies.
Ties to Lebanon and the Middle East
Born in Lebanon, Boulos has cultivated relationships with influential political factions in his homeland. He has described himself as a “friend” of Sleiman Frangieh, a prominent Christian Lebanese politician allied with Hezbollah, the Shia Muslim political party and militant group.
Boulos has already acted as an informal conduit between Trump and Middle Eastern leaders. According to a New York Times report, he has met with figures such as Mahmoud Abbas, the leader of the Palestinian Authority. During a September meeting at the United Nations General Assembly, Boulos reportedly conveyed Trump’s aspirations to end the Israel-Gaza war and other global conflicts.
Professional Background
Boulos relocated to Texas as a teenager, later earning a law degree from the University of Houston. He subsequently joined his family’s billion-dollar business, based in Nigeria, which specialises in distributing motor vehicles and equipment across West Africa. His business acumen and international background may provide valuable insight as Trump seeks to strengthen his foreign policy platform.
A Role Without Senate Oversight
Unlike many of Trump’s appointments, Boulos’ position as an adviser does not require confirmation by the US Senate, allowing him to assume his role without external scrutiny.
This is not the first time Trump has turned to family members for political roles. His son-in-law, Jared Kushner, served as a senior adviser during Trump’s presidency and played a central role in brokering the Abraham Accords. The addition of Boulos highlights Trump’s continued reliance on trusted inner-circle members for strategic positions.
Strategic Appeal to Arab and Muslim Americans
Boulos’ efforts to attract Arab American and Muslim voters come as the Republican campaign seeks to capitalise on growing discontent among these communities regarding US foreign policy in the Middle East. His message underscores Trump’s narrative that strong leadership could have prevented the ongoing Israel-Gaza war and its associated humanitarian crises.
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This approach stands in stark contrast to Harris’s campaign, which has struggled to address concerns over US support for Israel amidst mounting civilian casualties. Boulos’ rhetoric, often invoking peace and stability, has resonated with segments of the electorate seeking alternative leadership.
Middle Eastern Engagement
Boulos’ connections in the Middle East and his informal diplomatic efforts could play a crucial role in shaping Trump’s policies and relationships in the region. His outreach to figures such as Abbas signals an attempt to position Trump as a peacemaker, despite the divisive legacy of his administration’s previous Middle Eastern policies.
Looking Ahead
As Trump intensifies his campaign, the addition of Boulos underscores the former president’s strategy to bolster his appeal to diverse voter bases and leverage international ties. Boulos’ background, combined with his familial connection to Trump, positions him as a unique asset within the campaign.
While his influence on policy remains to be seen, his appointment reflects Trump’s continued reliance on trusted individuals to navigate the complex dynamics of domestic and international politics. As the 2024 elections approach, Boulos’ role could prove instrumental in shaping the narrative and strategy of Trump’s bid for a return to the White House.
