Muslim Voters Who Backed Trump Express Disappointment Over Pro-Israel Cabinet Picks

Muslim voters who helped swing the 2024 election in favour of President-elect Donald Trump, mainly due to their anger over Israel’s offensive in Gaza, have expressed disappointment over several of his cabinet selections, which they argue are too “pro-war.”

According to a report, many within the Muslim community are critical of Trump’s early picks, noting that several of his appointees have been staunch supporters of Israel.

Among the key figures drawing backlash are New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, who has been nominated to become the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a vocal supporter of Israel’s military actions against Hamas. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, another well-known figure in the pro-Israel camp, is also set to become ambassador to Israel.

Rexhinaldo Nazarko, executive director of the American Muslim Engagement and Empowerment Network (AMEEN), voiced his frustration over these appointments, telling Reuters, “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.”

Some Muslim voters are “very disappointed” that Trump’s pick is too pro-Israel. AFP via Getty Images

Rabiul Chowdhury, a Philadelphia investor and co-founder of Muslims for Trump, also expressed his discontent, stating, “Trump won because of us, and we’re not happy with his Secretary of State pick and others.” Chowdhury, who chaired the Abandon Harris campaign in Pennsylvania, added that many Muslim voters who supported Trump in 2024 feel let down by the president-elect’s cabinet choices.

During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump made significant inroads among Muslim voters, especially in the battleground state of Michigan. In Dearborn, Michigan’s most prominent Muslim city, Trump secured 43% of the vote, compared to 36% for Vice President Kamala Harris. This shift in support was partly fueled by the Muslim community’s frustration with President Biden’s support for Israel.

Donald Trump chose Mike Huckabee to be an ambassador to Israel. The Washington Post via Getty Images

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a prominent critic of Israel, notably did not endorse Harris during the campaign, further highlighting the divisions within the Muslim community over U.S. foreign policy.

However, the American Muslim community in Dearborn has also faced scrutiny in the past, with some critics pointing to instances of antisemitic rhetoric and anti-American sentiments. For example, the Wall Street Journal referred to Dearborn as “America’s Jihad capital,” citing reports of local Islamic institutions celebrating terrorism.

In April, Muslim protesters in the city held a rally chanting “death to America,” and a poll conducted after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel found that 57% of Muslims believed the attack was “justified.”

A complete 57% of Muslim Americans have said they believe Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre in Israel was “justified.” Getty Images

Despite the historical tensions in places like Dearborn, many Muslim voters had hoped that Trump’s leadership would prioritise their concerns, especially regarding Middle East policy and U.S.-Israel relations.

However, with his cabinet appointments leaning heavily toward pro-Israel figures, those same voters are now questioning whether Trump will honour the promises that helped secure their support.

Sola Adeniji

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