The upcoming presidential election could be influenced by the situation in the Middle East and the Democrats’ support among Arab Americans. Historically, Arab Americans have supported the Democratic Party, but recent outreach efforts by Republicans have been successful in capturing the attention of progressives like Samraa Luqman. Luqman, who is voting for Trump as a form of protest against the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of genocide issues, believes that Trump’s unpredictability and America-first policy could potentially lead to a better approach to U.S. aid to the Middle East.
Michigan, a key battleground state with a significant Arab American population, is crucial in this election. With new polling suggesting that Arab Americans are favoring Trump over Harris, there is a noticeable shift in support within the community. This shift began around 2022, with issues such as sexually explicit material in public school libraries prompting concerns about parental rights. The endorsement of Trump by Democratic Mayor Amer Ghalib of Hamtramck, Michigan, further highlights the changing opinions within the Arab American community.
Support for Biden among Arab Americans has declined since the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. The National Uncommitted and Abandon Biden movement, along with Trump’s campaign tactics, has contributed to this decline. Trump’s criticism of the Biden-Harris administration’s policies in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran, has resonated with some Arab Americans despite his controversial history with anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies. The refusal of Harris to distance herself from Biden’s approach has further alienated progressive activists like Luqman.
Despite the controversies surrounding Trump’s statements and policies, his more critical stance toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and potential impacts on U.S. aid have attracted some Arab American voters. Trump’s comments about Gaza being potentially “better than Monaco” after the conflict, as well as his perspectives on the situation in the Middle East, have garnered attention within the community. The perception that Harris prioritizes the Palestinian cause over the Israelis has also influenced some Arab Americans to reconsider their political affiliations.
As the election approaches, both parties are ramping up their outreach efforts to secure support from various communities. The unfolding situation in the Middle East, as well as shifting policies and stances on key issues, are shaping the attitudes of voters, particularly within the Arab American community. Trump’s unorthodox presidential style and approach to foreign policy have resonated with some Arab Americans, leading to a notable shift in support away from the Democratic Party. It remains to be seen how these dynamics will play out in the final outcome of the election and what implications they may have for future political trends.
