Arab Americans urge Trump to push for cease-fire in Palestine and Lebanon

In a move that reflects a significant shift in political allegiance, Arab Americans who supported Donald Trump in the 2024 U.S. presidential election have called on the president-elect to push for an immediate cease-fire in Palestine and Lebanon amid escalating violence in the region.

The MENA American Chamber of Commerce, representing Lebanese Americans in the area, posted a letter on Instagram congratulating Trump on his victory and urging his administration to use its political influence to demand a halt to Israeli attacks in both Lebanon and Palestine. The letter, dated after the election, comes as the conflict in Gaza continues to intensify, raising concerns among local communities about the U.S. role in the region.

“In response to your renowned letter addressed to Lebanese Americans dated October 26th, 2024, and due to the escalation of Israeli attacks subsequent to the U.S. election, we are urging your administration and transition team to apply your political influence in demanding an immediate cease-fire in Lebanon and Palestine,” the letter reads.

The message underscores the group’s belief that a cease-fire aligns with Trump’s stated commitment to peace, referencing his past actions such as signing the Peace Plaques. The letter also acknowledges the impact of MENA American voters, particularly in key swing states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Georgia, who contributed to Trump’s electoral success.

“Over 3.5 million MENA Americans, some of whom reside in the swing states, are proud to have contributed to your margins of victory, particularly in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Georgia,” the letter continues. “Your success is a testament to your resonance with the values and concerns of MENA Americans.”

Dearborn, Michigan, long known as a Democratic stronghold and the heart of the Arab American community, became a focal point in the 2024 election due to a shift in voter sentiment. Traditionally a Democratic stronghold, the city, home to North America’s largest mosque and a significant population of Muslim voters, saw a dramatic swing toward Trump. This change is seen as a rebuke to the Democratic Party, especially over its stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The city’s political transformation has highlighted the growing frustration among Arab Americans over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. In the 2020 election, Joe Biden won Michigan by roughly 150,000 votes, securing the state for Democrats. However, the 2024 election saw a sharp contrast, as Dearborn’s shift to Republican support played a key role in Trump’s success in Michigan.

With a population of approximately 250,000 Muslim voters, Dearborn’s influence in the election reflects broader concerns within the Arab American community, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the U.S. government’s response. As the city grapples with these issues, local leaders are urging the incoming administration to prioritize peace efforts in the Middle East, signaling that the political landscape for Arab American voters is evolving.