In a surprising turn of events, many Arab American voters in Michigan are reconsidering their support for former President Donald Trump following his recent remarks suggesting that the United States “take over” the Gaza Strip, rebuild it, and relocate Palestinians elsewhere.
Dearborn, Michigan, home to the largest Muslim population per capita in the U.S., saw 43% of its voters support Trump in the 2024 election, while Vice President Kamala Harris secured only 37%, a significant drop from President Joe Biden’s 68% in 2020. However, Trump’s latest comments have left many voters disillusioned.
Sarah Chabaan, a college senior who voted for Trump, admitted feeling “disappointed” by his proposal, though she remained skeptical he would actually follow through. “Had I voted for Kamala, I think maybe the war might have still been going on,” she added, pointing to Trump’s involvement in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Trump’s proposal has been met with widespread criticism from Arab American and Muslim organizations, as well as rejection from Middle Eastern countries. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the idea “worthwhile pursuing,” concerns over Palestinian displacement and the abandonment of a two-state solution have sparked outrage.
Trump elaborated on his vision in a social media post, stating that Gaza would be handed over to the U.S. after the fighting and developed into a thriving economic hub—what he called the “Riviera of the Middle East.” However, the plan’s lack of specifics and implications for Palestinian sovereignty have intensified opposition.
Amer Zahr, a third-party voter, dismissed the idea as “outrageous,” while Osama Siblani, publisher of The Arab American News, labeled it “insane,” emphasizing that Palestinians would not willingly abandon their homeland.
In response to Trump’s remarks, “Arab Americans for Trump,” a group that played a role in his voter outreach, rebranded itself as “Arab Americans for Peace,” signaling a major shift in sentiment.
With Arab American voters in Michigan expressing regret and frustration, Trump’s standing in this key battleground state may face serious consequences.
