When Arab and Muslim voters in Michigan helped deliver Donald Trump a key swing state victory in 2024, they did so believing his promises of peace and stability in the Middle East. Not even a year into the administration, many feel blindsided and betrayed instead.

In Dearborn, Michigan, home to one of the largest Arab American communities in the country, business leaders and residents say Trump’s rhetoric and actions since taking office have shattered their trust. Those who voted for Trump and expected peace are now learning a painful lesson in political disillusionment. 

A Vote Rooted in Hope

For Faye Nemer, CEO and founder of the MENA American Chamber of Commerce, supporting Trump in 2024 was a departure from a lifetime of voting for Democrats. Like many, she believed Trump could succeed where others had failed by pushing the U.S. toward recognizing a Palestinian state and prioritizing a two-state solution.

“That's the only pathway to the long-lasting peace that President Trump wants to accomplish,” Nemer said in an interview. “And that could be a defining moment for his presidency.”

That hope motivated thousands of voters across Michigan’s Arab and Muslim communities to back Trump for the first time, shifting a critical bloc of support in a tightly contested election.

The “Trump Gaza” Video and Its Fallout

In February 2025, Trump posted an AI-generated video promoting a so-called “Trump Gaza” resort project, complete with images of himself sunbathing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The video stunned and angered Arab and Muslim voters who had supported him, many of whom viewed it as tone-deaf and destabilizing.

“He didn’t say anything like that before,” said Ibrahim Duhaini, a Dearborn resident and first-time Republican voter. “When he came to our community, he said he would strive for peace and justice for the whole region.” Duhaini now says he regrets his vote.

Nemer called the video “unbecoming of a president” and warned that it risks undermining Republican efforts to maintain support among Arab and Muslim Americans, noting that his rhetoric is certainly harming the prospects.

Faith, Family, and Fractures

Trump’s outreach to Arab and Muslim communities during the campaign capitalized on cultural conservatism and frustration with Democrats over domestic and foreign policies. Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib, who endorsed Trump, said many voters resonated with his messaging about “protecting family values” and resisting outside influences on their way of life.

However, those same voters now find themselves grappling with a widening gap between their expectations and reality. Proposals to “take over Gaza” and “resettle” Palestinians have drawn sharp criticism from Arab leaders worldwide and, according to NPR polling, are opposed by more than two-thirds of Americans.

The fallout highlights an uncomfortable truth: political promises tailored for campaign stops rarely survive the pressures of power.

Eroding Trust, Emerging Regret

Michigan Republicans had hoped to build on their 2024 gains by strengthening relationships with Arab and Muslim voters ahead of the midterms. Instead, Trump’s statements are pushing many away.

For voters like Duhaini, who cast a ballot for Trump believing in the promise of peace, the realization cuts deep. Many thought they were voting for someone who would listen, but instead felt like they were just used.

The sense of betrayal extends beyond policy. It strikes at something more personal: the hope that their voices mattered, that their votes would help shape a different future for their families and communities.

The Bigger Picture

Michigan’s Arab and Muslim voters represent a growing political force in a state where margins decide elections. In 2024, their shift toward Trump played a decisive role. However, loyalty built on promises of peace and mutual respect can dissolve quickly when actions fail to match words.

The “Trump Gaza” controversy underscores the fragility of political alliances formed in moments of shared frustration rather than shared values. When voters feel misled, rebuilding trust becomes nearly impossible.

For many in Dearborn and Hamtramck, Trump’s recent actions have served as a wake-up call. If you supported Trump, hoping for peace and dignity but now feel those promises slipping away, your story matters. Share it here.