In a move that adds another family connection to his administration, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday the nomination of Massad Boulos, his daughter’s father-in-law, as his senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.
“I am proud to announce that Massad Boulos will serve as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs,” Trump declared on his social media platform Truth Social. “He is an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world,” Trump added, calling Boulos “an asset” to his 2024 presidential campaign and “instrumental in building tremendous new coalitions with the Arab American Community.”
Massad Boulos, father-in-law of Trump’s youngest daughter, Tiffany Trump, brings a unique background to the role. Born in Lebanon into a family deeply involved in Lebanese politics, Boulos moved to Texas as a teenager. There, he attended the University of Houston and earned a law degree before returning to his family’s business.
Upon his return, Boulos took over as CEO of SCOA Nigeria, a billion-dollar conglomerate specializing in the distribution of motor vehicles and equipment across West Africa. His experience in international business and connections in the Middle East are seen as valuable assets to the incoming administration’s foreign policy team.
This appointment marks the second time in recent days that Trump has tapped a family relative for a key role. On Saturday, he nominated Charles Kushner, father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, as the next U.S. ambassador to France.
Trump’s choices signal a continuation of his preference for close-knit advisory circles. With Boulos joining the team, the administration looks to strengthen ties with the Arab world and leverage personal relationships to navigate complex international affairs.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
