Trump's Arab American Allies Face Regret amidst His Policies
In the heart of Michigan, the normally tranquil town of Dearborn vibrates with a mix of feelings. For decades, this industrial suburb has been a beacon for the Arab-American community, hosting the nation's largest Arab-origin or Muslim population. But when Sufian Nabhan, director of the Islamic Center of Detroit, gazes upon the tumultuous news from Palestine, he feels a rending ache, a hope dashed and dreams deferred.
"We pinned our hopes on Donald Trump's pledge to end the relentless Israel-Gaza conflict," Nabhan shared, his words tinged with restrained disappointment. "We thought he could bring us out of this twisted crisis, unburdened by dogmatic thinking. He was the last glimmer of hope. However, it's painfully clear now that since he returned to the White House, things have not unfolded as we anticipated."
Four months after Trump's reinstatement as president, a cloud of disillusionment is slowly eclipsing the flickering glimmer of hope. This shift is particularly remarkably in light of Dearborn's historic backing for Democrats that lasted for half a century. Yet, the previous support for the Democrats was fractured and swayed by the administration's unwavering support for Israel, as well as Donald Trump's ardent commitment to broker lasting peace in the region.
Hani Bawardi, a prominent American historian and expert on Arab studies at the University of Michigan, shed some light on the conundrum. He explained that the voters who swung to the Trump camp were largely driven by traditional values, such as anti-abortion stance, religious education support, and a desire for tax cuts for the wealthy—values that resonated deeply in this community of entrepreneurs and laborers who cherish family and traditions above all.
However, despite the continued pull of conservative values, an increasing number of voters express regret over Trump's renewed support for airstrikes in Gaza, which claimed thousands of Palestinian civilian lives. The fragile truce brokered between Israel and Hamas in February has since unraveled, replaced by chaos and desolation. The Gaza Strip now finds itself under the resumed onslaught of the Israeli army, and the human toll continues to mount.
Israel's intentions in the Gaza Strip extend beyond a short-term military objective. The United States and Trump envision reconstructing and commercializing the Palestinian enclave, aspiring to transform it into the "Riviera of the Middle East." This ambitious plan has sparked a range of reactions within the Dearborn community.
"The idea is almost laughable, but it might seduce some members of the community here who hope to profit from it, either personally or through their businesses," mused Jillian Bashore, director of the Arab-American Friendship Center in Dearborn. "Still, many remain behind Trump, but there's a growing chorus of doubt too."
Among them is Swanson, a young Palestinian immigrant who is grappling with the undesirable consequences of her husband's decision to vote for the president. "My husband voted for Donald Trump because he thought the Democrats were too focused on topics like transgender issues. He still believes he made the right choice, yet now our chances of bringing our daughter from Syria to the United States are even more uncertain."
Navigating the Great Divide
The conflict in Gaza is not Dearborn's only challenge. The Trump presidency has left many Arab Americans questioning their choices, even as they deny the existence of the burgeoning problems.
Ms. Bashore confesses that several students who frequent the center have faced or are about to lose their government aid. "When I point this out to some of them, they refute the claim, clinging to the belief that such issues don't genuinely exist," she sighs.
Trump's new diplomacy in Gaza is one of the critical reasons for the disenchantment of the Arab-American community in Dearborn. "When I express concern about students losing their scholarships or even their freedom to voice their opinions, many agree but maintain a defiant optimism," says Nabhan, voicing the sentiments of many who voted for Trump and are now grappling with his administration's policies.
Recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court further add to their uncertainty. The court has allowed President Trump to revoke the legal protection of over half a million immigrants living in the United States, which has heightened the unease and apprehension among the Arab-American community.
"We felt deserted by the Democrats, who seemed to turn a blind eye to the destruction and ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank," shares Nabhan. "I voted for Trump with confidence and pride, but if I were to redo that choice today, I would likely opt for a third-party candidate, such as Jill Stein of the Green Party."
Despite this growing disillusionment, not everyone in Dearborn is ready to admit they made a wrong turn. "You need to give Trump time to prove whether he's capable of good or bad things," contends Badria, an Egyptian-American woman who has risen to prominence as an executive assistant in the region. "I have faith that Trump, like a father in a home, knows what's best for the family, even if we don't agree with him."
Dearborn Arab Americans are treading a difficult path, torn between hope and regret. They are facing a crucible that could reshape their political future, testing their loyalty and resolve in ways never imagined.
- The French media has been extensively covering the political developments in Michigan, given the changing political landscape in Dearborn and its impact on the Arab-American community, a significant group known for its strong ties with Palestine.
- Amidst this polarized political environment, the French General News and War-and-Conflicts sections have been abuzz with discussions about the shifting allegiances in Dearborn, with some questioning their choices, while others remain steadfast in their support for Donald Trump, despite the unfolding events in Gaza.
