The upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump has taken a controversial turn with the announcement that Imam Husham al-Husainy, a pro-Hezbollah figure with a history of antisemitic statements, will deliver one of the benedictions at the ceremony. The decision has sparked outrage and confusion among Trump supporters, particularly those who have praised his staunch support for Israel.
This unexpected choice raises critical questions: Was this a vetting oversight by Trump’s team, or does it signal a deeper shift in the administration’s approach to Middle Eastern policy?
Imam Husham al-Husainy, based in Dearborn, Michigan, has a long history of controversial actions and statements. He openly supports Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, and has participated in rallies where he displayed a photo of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. During a 2007 appearance on Hannity and Colmes, al-Husainy refused to label Hezbollah a terrorist group, instead deflecting the question with vague responses.
In 2009, al-Husainy signed a document urging the continuation of “Holy Jihad” in the footsteps of Hezbollah fighters. He has also called for laws restricting free speech to prevent insults to religious leaders, aligning with broader Sharia law principles.
Adding to the controversy, al-Husainy has accused the Saudi royal family of being “agents of the Jews” and has made other inflammatory antisemitic remarks. His record has understandably alarmed Trump’s supporters, many of whom have championed the president-elect’s promises to bolster U.S.-Israel relations.
The timing of al-Husainy’s involvement in the inauguration coincides with a potential policy shift in the Middle East. Despite Trump’s earlier declaration to “let Israel finish the job in Gaza,” recent reports suggest that Israel and Hamas are nearing a ceasefire agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that the goal of the conflict is the elimination of Hamas as an organized entity. However, the looming ceasefire suggests that Hamas may retain power in Gaza, a stark contrast to Israel’s initial objectives.
These developments have fueled speculation about whether Trump’s administration is rethinking its hardline stance on Middle Eastern policy. Some analysts point to the influence of Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman recently appointed as Trump’s senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Boulos has familial ties to Lebanese politics, including connections to groups aligned with Hezbollah.
Could Boulos’ appointment and al-Husainy’s inclusion in the inauguration signal a recalibration of Trump’s approach to the region?
Interestingly, al-Husainy has expressed support for Trump, particularly in criticizing the policies of the outgoing Democratic administration. In remarks made before the election, al-Husainy condemned what he saw as the moral decay under Democratic leadership, stating, “Under the misrule of Kamala Harris and the Democrats, the boys will turn to girls and the girls will turn to boys.”
This alignment on certain social issues may explain why al-Husainy was invited to participate in the inauguration. However, his history of antisemitic rhetoric and support for Hezbollah remains deeply troubling for those who value Trump’s previous commitments to Israel.
Critics argue that al-Husainy’s inclusion reflects a failure in vetting or a lack of awareness about his controversial past. Others suggest that his selection may have been influenced by Boulos or other members of Trump’s team with ties to Lebanon’s complex political landscape.
Whatever the reason, the decision has drawn swift backlash. Many are calling for al-Husainy to be removed from the inauguration program, citing his divisive record as incompatible with the values Trump has professed to uphold.
Trump’s administration faces a delicate balancing act. On one hand, he must reassure his base that his commitment to Israel remains steadfast. On the other, his appointments and policy shifts hint at a broader strategy that may prioritize engaging diverse perspectives from the Middle East, even those with controversial ties.
As the inauguration approaches, all eyes will be on Trump to see whether he addresses the uproar over al-Husainy’s role. For now, the decision underscores the complexities of navigating Middle Eastern politics and the challenges of aligning domestic and foreign policy priorities.
Whether this controversy marks a minor misstep or a significant policy shift, its implications for U.S.-Israel relations and Trump’s standing with his supporters will undoubtedly shape the early days of his administration.
