Who Is Massad Boulos, the Lebanese American Tycoon and Trump Adviser?

Massad Boulos has been appointed as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs by President-elect Donald J. Trump. He is an automotive tycoon and father-in-law to Trump’s daughter Tiffany. Boulos’s role may significantly influence U.S. policy in the Middle East amidst ongoing crises in Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria, and he has established connections with various political figures in the region.

Massad Boulos, a Lebanese American automotive magnate and father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, has been appointed as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs by President-elect Donald J. Trump. His position places him in a strategic role to influence U.S. policy in a region facing multiple crises, including the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Boulos, who garnered support for Trump among Arab Americans during the campaign, has become a prominent figure on Lebanese television and maintained connections with Middle Eastern leaders such as Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority’s president.

Boulos was born into an influential Greek Orthodox family in Kafaraka, Lebanon, a town recognized for olive oil production and local politics. Although he previously dabbled in Lebanese politics, he claims no formal party affiliation and is viewed as allied with Lebanon’s Christian elite, including connections to figures like Suleiman Frangieh. Furthermore, Boulos has strong ties to the automotive industry, having led the Nigerian company SCOA and founded Boulos Enterprise, which manufactures motorcycles and tricycles.

In addition to his business achievements, Boulos actively engaged with Middle Eastern leaders during Trump’s campaign, notably facilitating discussions between Trump and Abbas. His appointment has led to speculation among Lebanese politicians that this could enhance Lebanon’s visibility in U.S. foreign policy discussions. Economy minister Amin Salam termed Boulos’s appointment a “historic opportunity” for Lebanon to connect more closely with the U.S. administration.

Massad Boulos’s rise to prominence can be attributed to his familial connection to Donald Trump’s family and his previous role in supporting Trump’s campaign among Arab American voters. As the Middle East grapples with complex political issues, including latent conflicts and humanitarian crises, Boulos’s expertise and background in business may provide valuable insights for U.S. policy in the region. His relationship with Lebanese Christian leaders and his dealings with notable figures such as Mahmoud Abbas further establish him as a crucial intermediary between the U.S. and Middle Eastern leaders.

Massad Boulos’s appointment as a senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs under President-elect Trump positions him as a potential influencer on U.S. policy regarding the Middle East. His unique blend of business acumen and personal connections, especially with other influential leaders, suggests that he may play a key role in shaping diplomatic strategies. His relationships and insights will be critical at a time when Lebanon and the broader region face significant challenges.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com