Washington DC [US]: US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Massad Boulos, a Lebanese billionaire and father-in-law to his daughter Tiffany Trump, will serve as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Trump praised Boulos as a skilled lawyer and influential business leader with significant international experience. He commended Boulos for his dedication to Republican and Conservative values and his success in strengthening ties with the Arab American community during the presidential campaign.
“I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Massad is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the International scene. He has been a longtime proponent of Republican and Conservative values, an asset to my Campaign, and was instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community. Massad is a dealmaker and an unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East. He will be a strong advocate for the United States, and its interests, and I am pleased to have him on our team!” Trump shared on Truth Social.
The Hill reported that this appointment is part of a broader pattern of family-connected nominations in Trump’s administration. Trump had recently nominated Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France. While Jared and Ivanka Trump were key figures during Trump’s first term, they are not expected to hold official roles in the incoming administration.
Massad Boulos, father of Michael Boulos—who married Tiffany Trump in 2022—leads the family-owned automotive firm SCOA Nigeria. Known for his outreach efforts in Michigan, Boulos played a crucial role in mobilizing Arab American voter support, contributing to Trump’s electoral victory in the state.
Boulos’ expertise is expected to be instrumental in shaping US policies in the Middle East, particularly amid heightened tensions in the region following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.