Why Muslims in Michigan are backing 'Islamophobic' Donald Trump

In Michigan , a growing number of Muslim leaders are endorsing Donald Trump , a move many find surprising given his past rhetoric and policies targeting Muslim communities. This shift is largely driven by two key issues: disillusionment with the Biden administration ’s foreign policy, especially regarding Gaza, and a perceived alignment between Trump’s promises and the values held by conservative Muslims .

Many Muslim voters in Michigan, particularly those of Arab and Palestinian descent, are deeply frustrated with Biden’s strong support for Israel in the Gaza conflict . They feel the administration has neglected the Palestinian humanitarian crisis and find Trump’s promises of peace in the Middle East appealing. Imam Belal Alzuhairi , speaking at a Trump rally, referred to the former president as the “peace candidate,” emphasising Trump’s commitment to ending U.S. involvement in “endless wars.” This position has struck a chord with voters tired of prolonged conflicts affecting their ancestral homes.

In addition to foreign policy concerns, Trump’s conservative stance on social issues has resonated with many Michigan Muslims who feel their values are no longer reflected in Democratic policies. Mayor Amer Ghalib of Hamtramck, for example, has voiced opposition to progressive social policies like the inclusion of LGBTQ content in public schools and public displays of Pride symbols, which he sees as at odds with his community’s values. For Ghalib and others, Trump’s alignment with traditional family values and his promises to protect conservative beliefs provide a strong alternative to the Democrats’ progressive agenda.

Furthermore, Trump’s previous diplomatic dealings with Muslim-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, suggest to these voters that he is capable of fostering Middle Eastern stability, despite his past anti-Muslim rhetoric. Figures like Republican Congressman Darrell Issa, a Trump ally of Lebanese descent, have emphasised Trump’s relationships with Middle Eastern leaders as evidence of his ability to broker peace, lending credibility to his anti-war promises. This blend of social conservatism, foreign policy alignment, and a strong anti-war message is reshaping Michigan’s Muslim support, drawing them to Trump as a candidate who, in their view, better understands and advocates for their values and needs.