Amer Ghalib, the Mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, has made headlines by endorsing former President Donald Trump for the upcoming presidential election, Al Jazeera reports.
Ghalib, who leads the city with an all-Muslim government, cited Trump’s “principles” and declared him the “right choice” for the country, despite acknowledging disagreements on some issues.
“President Trump and I may not agree on everything, but I know he is a man of principles,” Ghalib said in a Facebook post. “Though it’s looking good, he may or may not win the election and be the 47th president of the United States, but I believe he is the right choice for this critical time. I’ll not regret my decision no matter what the outcome would be, and I’m ready to face the consequences.”
Trump promptly reposted Ghalib’s endorsement on his Truth Social platform, outlining the unconventional support.
Ghalib, who immigrated to the US from Yemen at 17, reportedly made his decision after meeting Trump at a town hall in Flint, Michigan. He told The Detroit News that the two had discussed concerns of Arab and Muslim Americans, and Trump had requested his endorsement.
The endorsement has sparked debate, given Hamtramck’s historic significance as the first U.S. city with an all-Muslim government. It also comes amidst mounting criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel’s recent conflict in Gaza, a sentiment that has resonated within the Muslim American community.
Michigan, a key battleground state, is expected to play a pivotal role in the election. Opinion polls currently show a tight race between Trump and his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, both nationally and in Michigan.
However, recent polls suggest waning support for Harris among Muslim American voters in the state, with only 12% expressing support for her. The Green Party’s Jill Stein has garnered higher support, while Trump has secured 18%.
