Massad Boulos has been appointed as a senior adviser by President-elect Donald Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. As an influential automotive tycoon and father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, he holds a potential key role in U.S. policy formulation regarding critical issues in the region. Boulos’s ties to the Middle East and previous political engagements underscore his capacity to bridge connections between the U.S. and Middle Eastern leaders, particularly at a time of regional instability.
Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman and the father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, has been appointed by President-elect Donald J. Trump as a senior adviser focusing on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. His selection places him in a significant position to influence U.S. policy in the region at a critical time marked by multiple crises, including unrest in Lebanon, the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and escalating conflict in Syria. With a prominent background as an automotive tycoon in Nigeria, Mr. Boulos has gained visibility and noted influence, particularly in Arab American communities, due to his effective support for Trump during the election campaign.
Mr. Boulos is a member of an established Greek Orthodox family from Kafaraka, Lebanon, with historical ties to both local and national politics. He has distanced himself from formal political affiliations in Lebanon despite his connections to the Christian elite. His rich political and personal network includes previous interactions with Middle Eastern leaders, positioning him as a go-between for the new administration and significant regional figures. His rapid rise from businessman to key adviser exemplifies the intertwined nature of family and political influence in contemporary America.
Massad Boulos’s appointment comes amidst various critical issues facing the Middle East, especially Lebanon, where national stability is currently under threat. His growing profile within the context of U.S. politics emerges from both familial ties to President Trump and his practical experience in navigating complex political landscapes. As the son-in-law of Trump, his role could provide a bridge for the United States to address pressing geopolitical challenges, particularly with regards to diplomacy in the Arab world. His professional background in Nigeria and ties to Middle East leaders enhance this potential role significantly.
The appointment of Massad Boulos as a senior adviser represents a pivotal moment for U.S. engagement in Middle Eastern affairs. His close connections to both President Trump and regional elites put him in a unique position to influence discussions around significant issues, including Lebanon’s ongoing crises. Observers believe this development may bring heightened attention to Lebanon and broader Arab issues within U.S. foreign policy deliberations, suggesting a shift towards more comprehensive diplomatic engagement under the Trump administration.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
