In brief
A prominent Lebanese American automotive entrepreneur, Massad Boulos, has been appointed by President-elect Donald Trump as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, leading to speculation about his influence on future U.S. policy amidst ongoing regional crises.
President-elect Donald J. Trump has made headlines by appointing Massad Boulos, an automotive tycoon and Lebanese American businessman, as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Boulos, who is also the father-in-law of Trump's daughter, Tiffany, is entering a role that solidifies his significant influence over U.S. initiatives in the Middle East, a region currently facing serious challenges, including ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises.Boulos's recent ascent in prominence has occurred amidst his active participation during the election campaign, where he successfully rallied support for Trump among the vital Arab American community in Michigan, a pivotal state in the electoral process. He has appeared regularly on Lebanese television, promoting the forthcoming Trump administration’s strategies, and has emerged as an informal intermediary between Trump and notable Middle Eastern leaders.Hailing from a distinguished Greek Orthodox family in Lebanon's Kafaraka, known for its olive oil production, Boulos's background includes a legacy of political involvement spanning nearly a century. Despite brief stints in Lebanese politics, he has maintained an independent political stance, avoiding formal affiliation with any political party. Nevertheless, Boulos is believed to have close links with the Lebanese Christian elite and is a known supporter of political figures like Suleiman Frangieh, associated with Hezbollah’s presidential aspirations and ties to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.As Boulos takes on this critical newly appointed role, observers will be closely watching how his familial connections and business acumen play out in influencing both U.S. foreign policy and the complex dynamics within the Middle East during the Trump administration.
