A significant portion of Arab-American voters are expected to vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming elections for several reasons that align with their best interests.
First, Trump’s economic policies, which focus on tax cuts, deregulation, and stimulating the economy, have benefited many Arab-American entrepreneurs. This group may, therefore, appreciate Trump’s approach more than Biden’s, particularly in times of economic downturn. There is a widespread belief that under Donald Trump, the U.S. economy will experience substantial growth once again.
Additionally, Trump’s aggressive stance against radical Islamic groups like ISIS is seen as a positive measure by Arab-Americans, who themselves feel threatened by extremism. Another reason is Trump’s historic role in the Abraham Accords, which opened the door for Israel to establish diplomatic relations with several Arab countries. Some Arab-Americans view this as a more favorable approach to Middle East peace than the policies pursued under Biden. Arab-Americans also desire peace in the Middle East, as it would benefit the economy.
Moreover, Donald Trump’s strong opposition to political correctness resonates strongly with Arab-Americans. They are frustrated with having their voices oversimplified or ignored in public discourse. His tough stance on crime is also seen positively, as these Americans want a rigorous crackdown on drug-related crimes, an epidemic in America. In this area, too, there is strong support from the Arab-American community for Trump’s stricter policies.
Many Arab-Americans are also deeply disappointed in the Biden administration’s handling of various issues, which may lead them to withdraw their support for Biden. For instance, Biden’s policies in the Middle East, such as his approach to the conflict in Yemen, the nuclear deal with Iran, and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, have not produced ideal outcomes or brought stability to the region. They believe that Biden’s policies have been mishandled.
Furthermore, while the Biden administration has promised a more compassionate approach to immigration, some Arab-Americans are frustrated with the lack of progress and prefer to maintain some of Trump’s stricter immigration policies, believing there is insufficient control over who enters the country.
Political issues, such as inflation and economic instability, also play a crucial role. Many Arab-Americans are frustrated with the Biden administration, feeling that the government has not done enough to address these issues, leading to financial difficulties in many communities. Additionally, concerns about civil liberties and surveillance persist; some Arab-Americans accuse Biden of continuing aggressive surveillance programs targeting Muslim and Arab individuals, a practice they believe Trump would focus on reducing by targeting only true extremists, whom he also aims to deport.
Lastly, Biden’s foreign policy, particularly the withdrawal from Afghanistan, is criticized by the Arab-American community as weak or poorly managed, raising concerns about the competence of his administration in handling international affairs.
Considering these factors, a large majority of Arab-American voters are likely to choose Donald Trump, believing that his policies and leadership are more effective in addressing the issues that affect them, both locally and internationally. They also see Trump as a figure capable of ending several wars, noting that during his presidency, there were fewer international conflicts. They are counting on him to resolve these conflicts through his no-nonsense approach.
Andy Vermaut is the chairman of the international human and fundamental rights movement Postversa and chairman of the World Council for Public Diplomacy and Community Dialogue.