In brief
Massad Boulos, the father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, has been chosen by President-elect Donald J. Trump for a critical role in the upcoming administration, focusing on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
Massad Boulos's recent appointment by President-elect Donald J. Trump as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs positions him at the heart of U.S. foreign policy in a tumultuous region. With a family connection to Trump—his son is married to Trump's daughter, Tiffany—Boulos's influence could impact several ongoing crises, including a fragile cease-fire in Lebanon and escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip and Syria.A successful automotive entrepreneur, Boulos has gained visibility in recent months, particularly in Michigan where he helped rally Arab American support for Trump during the election. His television appearances in Lebanon and advocacy for the Trump administration have made him a recognizable personality in the Arab media landscape, suggesting his role will extend beyond mere advisory duties to that of a facilitator of communication between the Trump administration and key Middle Eastern figures, including Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas.Boulos was born into a prominent Greek Orthodox family in Lebanon, with historical roots in local politics. While he has avoided strong political affiliations, his connections to Lebanon’s Christian elite and figures like Suleiman Frangieh—who is favored by Hezbollah and aligned with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad—could further complicate his advisor position amidst regional political dynamics.As he steps into this pivotal role, Massad Boulos’s business acumen and familial ties to the Trump administration are likely to influence U.S. engagement with complex and contested issues in the Middle East, making him a key figure to watch in the unfolding situation.
