Arab Americans for Trump group changes name after president’s Gaza takeover proposal
A pro-Trump group has decided to change its name in response to President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the U.S. should “take over” Gaza. The group, formerly known as Arab Americans for Trump, has rebranded itself as Arab Americans for Peace. This decision comes after Trump introduced the idea of the U.S. taking control of the Gaza Strip during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Bishara Bahbah, the founder of the organization, explained the name change, stating, “We believe that his ideas, as well-intentioned as they might be, rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. We’re opposed to any transfer of Palestinians, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, out of their homeland.” This shift in focus reflects the group’s commitment to advocating for peaceful solutions in the region.
During the press conference, Trump proposed that the U.S. should take over Gaza and be responsible for dismantling dangerous weapons and explosives in the area. While some have supported this idea as a way to bring stability to the region, others have expressed concerns about the implications of such a move. Sen. Rand Paul criticized Trump’s proposal, arguing that it did not prioritize American interests.
Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, condemned Trump’s plan, calling it a “recipe for creating chaos.” A senior Hamas official described the proposal as a “crime against humanity.” However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the idea, suggesting that it could lead to a brighter future for the region.
The organization formerly known as Arab Americans for Trump played a significant role in Trump’s outreach to the Arab American community during the 2024 election. Their efforts were credited with helping Trump win support in Dearborn, Michigan, a city with a large Arab-American population. The group’s decision to rebrand as Arab Americans for Peace reflects their commitment to advocating for peaceful solutions in the Middle East.
As tensions continue to simmer in Gaza, the debate over Trump’s proposal highlights the complexity of the situation in the region. While some see the idea of U.S. intervention as a potential solution, others raise concerns about the consequences of such a move. As the conflict between Hamas and Israel persists, finding a peaceful resolution remains a pressing challenge for all involved parties.
