Arab American activists and leaders met with Trump allies in Michigan to discuss their dissatisfaction with President Biden’s response to the Israel-Hamas war. Richard Grenell, Trump’s former ambassador to Germany, highlighted Trump’s record in promoting global peace but failed to provide specific policy changes that the activists were seeking. Despite the outreach, convincing the community to switch from Biden to Trump may be challenging due to past grievances with Trump’s policies, such as the ban on immigration from Muslim-majority countries and insulting remarks.
The meeting included nearly 40 Arab American activists from across the country, some of whom already support Trump and others who were seeking clarification on Trump’s policies. Questions were raised about Trump’s travel ban on Muslim-majority countries, remarks from Jared Kushner regarding Gaza, and Grenell’s engagement with the community. While the issues were not addressed in detail during the meeting, activists like Khaled Saffuri acknowledged that engaging with the Arab American community is a step in the right direction, even if specific answers were lacking.
The Trump campaign did not request the meeting, but Trump allies are planning to hold more gatherings with Arab American leaders to discuss policy and mobilization for the upcoming election. Massad Boulos, Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law, emphasized Trump’s love for the Middle East and the need for organization within their communities. Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the Trump campaign, highlighted Trump’s policies in the Middle East that brought peace and stability to the region, aiming to appeal to Arab American voters who may be disillusioned with Biden’s response to the conflict.
Arab Americans have historically supported the Democratic Party, but they are increasingly critical of Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Biden’s refusal to call for a permanent ceasefire and cut aid to Israel has led to anger and protests, particularly among young voters and college campuses. In response, a movement to choose “uncommitted” as a protest in Democratic primaries has gained traction, receiving a significant portion of votes in some states. The meeting in Michigan was part of a larger effort to engage with Arab American voters and address their concerns, highlighting the importance of their support in key battleground states like Michigan.
The anger and dissatisfaction among Arab American voters extend beyond the Michigan meeting, with protests and activism seen nationwide. Trump allies are working to capitalize on this discontent and position Trump as a viable alternative to Biden for Arab American voters. While the road to convincing Arab Americans to switch their support from Biden to Trump may be challenging, the outreach and engagement efforts are seen as a step in the right direction. The upcoming 2024 election will be crucial in determining the political preferences of Arab American voters and their impact on the outcome in key states.
