United States President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday the appointment of Lebanon-born billionaire Massad Boulos as his senior White House adviser for Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.

Boulos, who is the father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany, played a key role in the campaign’s outreach to Arab Americans.

Boulos’s specific responsibilities in the new administration remain unclear. However, his appointment aligns with Trump’s efforts to shape U.S. policy in the Middle East, following a series of controversial nominations. These include Senator Marco Rubio, known for his pro-Israel stance, as Secretary of State; Mike Huckabee, a supporter of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, as Ambassador to Israel; and businessman Steven Witkoff as Special Envoy to the Middle East.

In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump lauded Boulos as “an accomplished lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business world, with extensive experience on the international scene.”

“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,” Trump wrote.

Boulos’s appointment comes as a recognition of his efforts to mobilize the Arab American community during Trump’s election campaign. His outreach capitalized on dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden’s support for Israel during the war in Gaza and Israel’s recent invasion of Lebanon.

As the Trump administration takes shape, Boulos is expected to play a prominent role in navigating U.S. relations with Arab nations and addressing key issues in the region. (ILKHA)