Femi Ashekun/
President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Massad Boulos, a prominent Nigerian-based businessman and in-law, as his senior adviser on Middle Eastern affairs.
The move highlights Trump’s reliance on trusted allies with real-world business experience to shape his administration’s foreign policy.
Boulos, whose son, Michael, is married to Trump’s daughter, Tiffany, has a deep connection to Nigeria’s economy and political landscape.
He heads Scoa Motors and Boulos Enterprises, two major players in Nigeria’s automotive industry, dominating the markets for motorcycles, power bikes, and vehicles. Under his leadership, these businesses have flourished, becoming household names in the West African nation.
Boulos’ roots in Nigeria go beyond business. His enterprises have provided jobs for thousands and played a pivotal role in the country’s transportation and logistics sectors.
His reputation as a business mogul with strong ties to Nigeria’s economic elite has earned him significant influence in the region. His extensive network in Africa could open new avenues for US partnerships in both the Middle East and Africa, areas often interconnected in trade and geopolitics.
“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 announced on Truth Social.
Born into a Christian family in Kfar Akka, Lebanon, Boulos moved to Texas as a teenager to study at the University of Houston before joining his family’s Nigerian automotive business.
Over the decades, he has cultivated extensive ties across Nigeria and the Middle East, bridging the two regions through trade and diplomacy.
Boulos has also leveraged his Nigerian connections to support Trump’s political ambitions. During the 2024 campaign, he rallied Arab Americans in battleground states, particularly in Michigan, underscoring his ability to connect diverse communities and mobilise support.
With his appointment, Boulos is expected to play a key role in advancing Trump’s agenda in the Middle East. His recent engagements with senior Lebanese officials and diplomats suggest he could oversee efforts to maintain the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hizbollah.
His influence, shaped by years of navigating Nigeria’s complex business environment, positions him as a strategic asset in Trump’s team.
By appointing Boulos, Trump not only taps into his Middle Eastern heritage but also acknowledges the global significance of Nigeria as a business and diplomatic hub.
This decision underscores the administration’s focus on practical leadership and leveraging personal networks to drive international diplomacy.
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