Disappointment among U.S. Muslim Leaders over Trump’s Cabinet Picks
U.S. Muslim leaders who supported Republican Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016 have expressed deep disappointment over his Cabinet picks, citing a lack of commitment to peace and an overwhelming pro-Israel, pro-war agenda.
Cabinet Picks
Trump’s Secretary of State pick, Marco Rubio, a staunch supporter of Israel, has sparked outrage among Muslim leaders. Rubio has refused to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and believes Israel should destroy "every element" of Hamas, describing them as "vicious animals." Additionally, Trump has nominated Mike Huckabee, a former Arkansas governor and staunch pro-Israel conservative, as the next ambassador to Israel. Huckabee has backed Israeli occupation of the West Bank and has called a two-state solution in Palestine "unworkable."
Pro-Israel, Pro-War Agenda
Rexhinaldo Nazarko, executive director of the American Muslim Engagement and Empowerment Network (AMEEN), lamented the lack of Cabinet picks who prioritize peace. "We are very disappointed," he said. "It seems like this administration has been packed entirely with neoconservatives and extremely pro-Israel, pro-war people, which is a failure on the side of President Trump, to the pro-peace and anti-war movement."
Promises Broken
Hassan Abdel Salam, a former professor at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and co-founder of the Abandon Harris campaign, which endorsed Green Party candidate Jill Stein, expressed disappointment and skepticism over Trump’s staffing plans. "It’s like he’s going on Zionist overdrive," he said. "We were always extremely skeptical…Obviously we’re still waiting to see where the administration will go, but it does look like our community has been played."
Muslim Support for Trump
Rabiul Chowdhury, a Philadelphia investor who chaired the Abandon Harris campaign in Pennsylvania and co-founded Muslims for Trump, acknowledged that Trump won because of Muslim support. However, he is unhappy with Trump’s Cabinet picks, stating, "Trump won because of us and we’re not happy with his Secretary of State pick and others."
Outreach Efforts
Several Muslim and Arab supporters of Trump had hoped for a different outcome. Richard Grenell, Trump’s former acting director of national intelligence, led months of outreach to Muslim and Arab American communities and was even introduced as a potential next secretary of state at events. Massad Boulos, the Lebanese father-in-law of Trump’s daughter Tiffany, met repeatedly with Arab American and Muslim leaders, promising a peaceful administration.
Conclusion
U.S. Muslim leaders are disappointed with Trump’s Cabinet picks, citing a lack of commitment to peace and an overwhelming pro-Israel, pro-war agenda. The community is urging Trump to reconsider his picks and prioritize peace and stability in the Middle East.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the reasons behind U.S. Muslim leaders’ disappointment with Trump’s Cabinet picks?
A: Muslim leaders are unhappy with the overwhelming pro-Israel, pro-war agenda and the lack of commitment to peace among Trump’s Cabinet picks.
Q: Who are some of the notable Muslim supporters of Trump who are disappointed with his Cabinet picks?
A: Rabiul Chowdhury, Hassan Abdel Salam, and Rexhinaldo Nazarko are some of the notable Muslim supporters of Trump who are expressing disappointment over his Cabinet picks.
Q: What are the implications of Trump’s Cabinet picks on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East?
A: Trump’s Cabinet picks are expected to have significant implications on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, with a potential increase in military intervention and a shift towards a more pro-Israel stance.