President-elect Donald Trump appointed Lebanon-born billionaire Massad Boulos as his Middle East and Arab world adviser. According to Newsweek, Boulos is a businessman and lawyer with ties to Lebanon's Christian political class and his appointment signals a strategic shift in U.S. engagement in the Middle East. It is also worth noting Boulos is connected to the Trump family by marriage, as he is the father-in-law of Trump's daughter, Tiffany Trump.
Boulos' Role in Trump's Campaign
Trump's announcement positioned Boulos as "a longtime proponent of Republican and conservative values." According to Trump, the Lebanese-American was "an asset" to his campaign and "instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American community."
"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!"
- Donald Trump
Facilitating Communication with Middle Eastern Leaders
Trump described Boulos as "a dealmaker" and "an unwavering supporter of PEACE in the Middle East.". According to Newsweek, Boulos is expected to work closely with Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, and Mike Huckabee, the nominee for U.S. ambassador to Israel, in shaping U.S. policy in the region.
The Lebanese billionaire has already started to help Trump communicate with Middle Eastern leaders. Axios reported he served as a conduit for communications between Trump and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during Trump's 2024 campaign. He was also key to coordinating Trump's first call with Abbas after his reelection.
Boulos' Potential Role in Gaza
Ron Dermer, Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister, has been working on a plan for Gaza after the current conflict ends. This plan involves collaboration between Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States. The main goal is to establish a government in Gaza that is not controlled by Hamas, the group currently in power. Dermer believes that by setting up a non-Hamas government, the ongoing war can be brought to an end.
While Dermer has not met directly with Trump since November 20, Boulos' appointment positions him as a potential facilitator in implementing such plans. Dermer is expected to travel to the United States to meet with the Biden Administration, but hasn't announced plans to meet with Trump, per Axios.
Concerns Surrounding Boulos' Appointment
Boulos' connections to Lebanon's Christian political elite and figures like Suleiman Frangieh—endorsed by Hezbollah—have raised questions about his influence on U.S. policy, per Newsweek. However, Boulos has publicly distanced himself from any political affiliations in Lebanon, focusing instead on messages of peace and economic development.
His appointment also reflects Trump's preference for integrating trusted allies and family connections into key roles, as evident in Trump's simultaneous nomination of Charles Kushner, Jared Kushner's father, as ambassador to France.
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