Trump invites Muslim leaders to stage at Michigan rally

At a rally in Michigan, Donald Trump sought to rally Arab-American and Muslim voters, critical of American policy towards Israel and Gaza. He invited Muslim leaders on stage, saying their support could influence the election. Imam Belal Alzuhairi described Trump as a candidate advocating peace, contrasting with the positions of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, seen as too favorable to Israel. Although Trump implemented an entry ban on several Muslim countries in 2017, he now seeks to channel discontent with U.S. policies on the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Trump is thus trying to reposition himself with communities he had once alienated, by emphasizing his supposed commitment to peace and criticizing the policies of the Biden administration. By including influential Muslim figures in his speech, he sends a strong signal to Muslim and Arab-American voters in Michigan, particularly in cities like Dearborn, with a large Arab majority. This approach allows it to present itself as an alternative to “endless wars” and to capitalize on growing discontent with current tensions in the Middle East.

By reaching out to Muslim and Arab-American voters unhappy with U.S. foreign policy, Trump hopes to broaden his support beyond his traditional base. By banking on their aspirations for peace in the Middle East, he is trying to turn their frustration into political advantage in key states like Michigan, where every vote could influence the outcome of the election.