Trump’s Middle East adviser has no experience beyond selling trucks in Nigeria

In the lead-up to Donald Trump's presidency, Massad Boulos was positioned as a prominent adviser on Middle Eastern affairs, despite having spent the previous two decades selling trucks and heavy machinery in Nigeria. This portrayal by the media, which hailed him as a billionaire tycoon, has been called into question. Records indicate that Boulos does not possess significant wealth from his business endeavors. His family business, Boulos Enterprises, is owned by a different unrelated Boulos family, complicating claims made about his financial status. This discrepancy raises concerns about the vetting process of Trump's team for key appointments. Some of Boulos's statements create confusion, such as his recent commentary on his role within his purported family business. He admitted to only confirming reports of his alleged business ownership rather than correcting them when they first emerged, leading to questions about his transparency. Injection into political discussions, Boulos emerged as a liaison between Trump and Palestinian leaders, such as Mahmoud Abbas, even as he stated that he had not visited the Middle East in years. His connection to Trump is notably personal, being linked through his marriage to Tiffany Trump’s husband. His engagement in political matters showcases a complicated interplay between business, family, and political strategy, especially given the regional tensions surrounding Middle Eastern politics. Despite his lack of direct involvement in the region, his advisory role remains a significant appointment amid ongoing conflicts.