Residents of Dearborn, Michigan, the largest Arab American community in the U.S., are reacting cautiously to President Donald Trump's recent announcement regarding Gaza. Trump's proposal to remove Palestinians from Gaza and potentially involve U.S. troops has sparked mixed reactions within the community.
Some community leaders expressed concerns about their previous support for Trump and the impact his recent statements may have on future elections. While there have been no mass protests planned in the Detroit area, prominent figures like U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Dearborn's Mayor Abdullah Hammoud have strongly criticized Trump's remarks.
Trump's suggestion to turn Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East” and potentially relocate Palestinians temporarily for reconstruction has faced backlash both domestically and internationally. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the relocation was meant to be temporary, but the proposal has still drawn criticism in the Arab world.
Despite Trump's success in winning Dearborn during the 2024 election, some community members are distancing themselves from his recent statements. Lebanese American Rola Makki and a group formerly known as Arab Americans for Trump have expressed disagreement with Trump's approach to the Middle East.
While some of Trump's Arab American supporters have remained silent, others have rebranded as Arab Americans for Peace in response to his comments. Calls for a more diplomatic approach and a commitment to a two-state solution have emerged from within the community.
The community's reaction reflects a complex mix of opinions and concerns regarding Trump's latest stance on Gaza and the broader implications for U.S. involvement in the Middle East.
