Two Muslim Mayors Named U.S. Ambassadors After Trump Endorsements

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi and Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib have been appointed U.S. ambassadors following their endorsements of President Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign. Trump announced their appointments on social media, celebrating their contributions to his political success.

Bazi, who has been selected as the U.S. ambassador to Tunisia, was acknowledged for his efforts in helping secure Trump’s victory during the election. “Bazzi worked hard during the 2024 Presidential Election to help us secure our historic victory,” Trump said. “I look forward to seeing the great things he will accomplish for our nation.”

Ghalib, appointed as the U.S. ambassador to Kuwait, also received praise from Trump for his role in the election, stating, “As the mayor of the City of Hamtramck, Michigan, Amer worked hard to help us secure a historic victory in Michigan. I know he will make our country proud in this new role.” Both mayors were key figures in Trump’s outreach to Muslim and Arab-American voters, which proved pivotal in the election.

During the campaign, Trump attracted a significant amount of support from these communities, especially in areas like Dearborn and Hamtramck, where he garnered 42% and 43% of the votes respectively. In Dearborn Heights, Trump’s support climbed to 44% against Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

Bazi, an immigrant from Lebanon and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, became the first Muslim and Arab-American mayor of Dearborn Heights in 2021. He expressed excitement about his new role, stating, “Among the distinct countries I have visited over the years, I hold a great affinity to Tunisia and its honorable parliament members… I am excited to return and honorably represent our country in Tunisia as its U.S. ambassador.”

Ghalib, who has served as mayor of Hamtramck since 2022, has a background as a healthcare professional and earned his medical degree at Ross University School of Medicine. Under his leadership, Hamtramck became the first known U.S. city to be run by an all-Muslim government, further cementing the political influence of this demographic.

This trend marks a significant shift in the relationship between the Republican Party and Muslim voters, a demographic Trump actively sought to engage during his campaign.