The upcoming presidential election could hinge on the war in the Middle East and Vice President Kamala Harris’s ability to regain support from the historically Democratic Arab-American community. Activists in swing states have noted that the Trump team is capitalizing on Arab Americans’ dissatisfaction with the Biden-Harris administration. Arab-American activist Samraa Luqman expressed disappointment in the lack of Democratic outreach to the grassroots community, while praising Republicans for their extensive efforts in reaching out to Arab Americans. Luqman, a progressive voter who previously supported Bernie Sanders, is now backing former President Donald Trump as a form of protest against the current administration’s actions.
Luqman’s decision to support Trump stems from a belief that the current administration is complicit in genocide due to its unwavering support of Israel in its offensive campaigns. Luqman views Biden as being overly influenced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while seeing Trump as a wildcard who may choose to keep America’s resources at home rather than involve the country in foreign conflicts. For Luqman, Trump’s willingness to separate from Netanyahu towards the end of his presidency signals a potential shift in foreign policy that appeals to her sensibilities.
Michigan is seen as a crucial battleground state in the upcoming election, with its significant Arab American population potentially shifting their support towards Trump. Recent polling indicates that Arab Americans are leaning towards Trump over Harris, a departure from their previous support for Democratic candidates. The shift in support began in 2022 after certain events, including explicit material in public school books, prompted some in the community to assert their parental rights and seek support from Republicans. The endorsement of Trump by Democratic Mayor Amer Ghalib of Hamtramck, Michigan, further illustrates this shift of support away from the Democratic party.
Support from the Arab American community has dwindled significantly for the Biden administration, exacerbated by the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. The National Uncommitted and Abandon Biden movement has encouraged voters to cast uncommitted ballots in swing state primaries to convey their dissatisfaction with the administration. Trump’s campaign has implied that Harris favors the Palestinian cause over the Israelis, drawing attention to their differing stances on the Middle East conflict. Trump’s comments on the situation in Gaza and his criticisms of Biden’s policies have resonated with some Arab Americans, leading to a surge in support for the former president despite his controversial actions during his tenure.
Trump’s growing support among Arab Americans, despite his past anti-Muslim remarks and policies, reflects a disconnect between the community and the current administration’s handling of foreign affairs. The blame placed on Harris and Biden for the unrest in the Middle East, as well as their perceived leniency towards Iran, has emboldened Arab Americans to consider alternative candidates. Luqman’s decision to support Trump as a form of protest against the policies of the current administration underscores the dissatisfaction felt by many in the Arab American community. Despite the historic support for Democrats, the upcoming election may see a significant shift in allegiance among Arab Americans, with potential implications for the outcome of the presidential race.
