Massad Boulos: Lebanese American Tycoon and Influential Trump Adviser

Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman and Trump’s adviser, has been appointed to influence U.S. Middle Eastern policy. With strong ties to the region and a background in automotive sales, his role could enhance U.S. focus on crises in Lebanon and beyond during the Trump administration.

Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American businessman and automotive tycoon, has recently been appointed by President-elect Donald J. Trump as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. With his son’s marriage to Trump’s daughter, Tiffany, Mr. Boulos steps into a role that could significantly shape U.S. policy in the Middle East during a time of instability. His previous endeavors during the campaign, particularly in garnering support among Arab Americans in Michigan, have brought him into the political spotlight, allowing him to assume this influential position.

Hailing from Kafaraka, Lebanon, Mr. Boulos is connected to an influential Greek Orthodox family active in local politics for generations. While he has briefly entered the Lebanese political scene, Mr. Boulos maintains that he does not belong to any political party, though he is regarded as having close ties to Lebanon’s Christian elites. His alignment with certain figures, such as Suleiman Frangieh, raises questions given the designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization by the United States.

Mr. Boulos attained his wealth through ventures in West Africa, where he serves as the CEO of SCOA Nigeria, overseeing an automotive conglomerate, and runs Boulos Enterprise, which distributes transportation and power equipment. His strategic role as an intermediary for Trump in the political arena, demonstrated by meetings with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas, underscores his burgeoning influence in Middle Eastern affairs.

The appointment has garnered attention in Lebanon, as local politicians express the potential for heightened attention to Lebanese issues on the U.S. agenda. Amin Salam, Lebanon’s caretaker economy minister, referred to the selection as a “historic opportunity,” emphasizing the significant moment for Lebanon and the broader Arab community with the incoming administration.

Massad Boulos’ recent selection as a senior adviser for Arab and Middle Eastern affairs by President-elect Donald J. Trump highlights the intersection of business and politics, particularly as it pertains to U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Mr. Boulos’ connections with Middle Eastern leaders and his family ties to Trump place him in a pivotal position during a time when U.S. engagement in the region is critical, given ongoing crises in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. His ascent reflects a growing trend of leveraging personal relationships and business networks to influence political decisions on an international scale.

In conclusion, Massad Boulos’ appointment as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs not only elevates his profile as a businessman but also presents a unique opportunity for the Trump administration to address pressing issues in the Middle East. His prior experiences, both in business and his connections within the region, equip him with the tools necessary to navigate complex diplomatic landscapes. Furthermore, the positive reception of his role by Lebanese politicians indicates a potential shift in U.S.-Lebanon relations under his influence.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com