Massad Boulos: The Lebanese-American Tycoon and Trump Administration Adviser

Massad Boulos, an automotive tycoon and father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, has been appointed by President-elect Donald J. Trump as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, where he may impact U.S. policies regarding various regional crises, including those in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria. His prior support for Mr. Trump in the elections showcases his rising prominence and potential influence.

Massad Boulos, an automotive tycoon and the father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, has been appointed by President-elect Donald J. Trump as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. This appointment positions Mr. Boulos to potentially influence U.S. policy in a region rife with challenges, including a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, humanitarian issues in Gaza, and escalating tensions in Syria. His rise to political prominence comes after contributions to Mr. Trump’s campaign, particularly in garnering support from Arab Americans in Michigan, a crucial state in the elections.

Massad Boulos was born into an influential Greek Orthodox family in Kafaraka, Lebanon, with a longstanding involvement in local and national politics. He has managed to maintain a neutral political stance while being seen as part of Lebanon’s Christian elite. After his education in Texas, Mr. Boulos created an automotive conglomerate in Nigeria. His connections with Middle Eastern leaders, including Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, have spurred speculation about his importance in shaping future U.S. policy in the region, especially regarding Lebanon’s crises.

Massad Boulos’s selection as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs represents a significant development in U.S. politics, especially concerning the Middle East. His unique background as a businessman and familial connection to the Trump family may provide new avenues for U.S.-Middle Eastern relations. As the region faces multiple crises, many hope that his influence will bring attention to Lebanon and other Arab nations in need of assistance.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com