Michigan's Arab American Community Distrusts Trump, Shifts Away from GOP

Donald Trump's 2024 victory in Michigan was bolstered by the Arab American community, particularly in the Detroit area, who supported him over the war in Gaza and cost-of-living concerns. However, as the ongoing war in Iran and the slow peace process in Gaza persist, many in this community are expressing disillusionment with Trump and the Republican Party, potentially impacting the Senate control battle.

Arab Americans in Michigan, who were initially attracted to Trump's promises of making America great again and prioritizing American interests, are now questioning his leadership and his party's commitment to their concerns. The shift in sentiment is particularly notable as former Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers seeks to maintain Trump's gains from 2024 against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim whose parents are Egyptian immigrants.

Albert Abbas, a Detroit-area Arab American, expressed his disappointment in Trump's broken promises. "Did he do that? Did he put American interests first? It's the complete opposite," Abbas said. Hassan Nehme, who served as the Michigan Republican Party's vice chair during the 2024 cycle, echoed this sentiment, noting that the party has lost traction with the Arab American community.

The disillusionment is not just limited to Trump but extends to the Republican Party as a whole. Dearborn-based Imam Husham Al-Husainy, who backed Trump in 2024, now supports El-Sayed due to Trump's recantation on his promise for "no new wars." Amer Ghalib, a former Democratic mayor of Hamtramck, also expressed concern about the long-term trust of the Arab American community, stating that Republicans should focus on addressing people's concerns rather than just trying to maintain gains.

Faye Nemer, who leads the Dearborn-based Middle Eastern and North African American Chamber of Commerce, predicted a change in sentiment toward Republicans in the midterms. "Many voters, including myself, are now asking whether the policy promises we received bear any resemblance to the reality that we're seeing on the ground," Nemer said.

Mike Rogers has not hesitated to brand El-Sayed as a Muslim extremist, particularly after El-Sayed condemned antisemitism throughout his campaign. Rogers has also slammed El-Sayed for responding to an attack on a Michigan synagogue earlier this year by condemning it but saying "hurt people hurt people." El-Sayed later apologized for his remarks, acknowledging that he "made a mistake."

The National Republican Senatorial Committee's first ad of the general election called El-Sayed by his full name, Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed, further highlighting the GOP's efforts to link El-Sayed to controversial figures and issues.

Despite Trump's initial appeal to the Arab American community, his administration's policies and the GOP's approach to issues affecting this community have led to a significant shift in sentiment. As the midterm elections approach, the Arab American community's vote could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the Senate control battle.