Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Dearborn, Michigan, the nation's largest Arab-majority city, on Friday. The visit comes amidst political turmoil in the city, with many residents expressing dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Dearborn, located in Metro Detroit, is home to a significant Arab American population. President Joe Biden won the city by a large margin in the last election.
Trump's visit, the first by either candidate, is seen as an opportunity to address the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The visit was confirmed by a local business owner, Sam Abbas, who expects Trump to make remarks about ending the war and bringing peace to the region.
The conflict in the Middle East has resulted in significant casualties, with thousands of lives lost in Gaza and Lebanon. Trump's visit follows a recent rally in Michigan where he engaged with local Muslims on stage.
While some in the community have expressed reservations about Trump's past statements and policies regarding Muslims, others see his visit as a chance to advocate for peace and stability in the region. Trump recently issued a statement expressing his commitment to ending the suffering and destruction in Lebanon and promoting harmony among Lebanese communities.
Abbas, who initially sought assurances from Trump regarding his intentions for peace in the Middle East, agreed to host the event after Trump's statement was released. The event is expected to draw around 100 community members.
Trump's visit to Dearborn is seen as a significant development in the region and could impact voter sentiments in the upcoming elections. Both Democrats and Republicans view Michigan as a crucial battleground state.