Trump inauguration will reportedly include Muslim cleric who wouldn’t condemn Hezbollah

Imam Husham Al-Husainy, a well-known Muslim cleric in Michigan, has recently made headlines for his controversial statements and support for President-elect Trump. Despite his praise for Iran and refusal to label Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, Al-Husainy was reportedly tapped to deliver a benediction at Trump’s upcoming inauguration.

Al-Husainy, who oversees the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center in Dearborn, Michigan, made waves when he expressed his support for Trump over the Democratic Party’s ticket in the 2024 election. He cited Trump’s closeness to the Bible, the Torah, and the Quran, as well as his desire for peace, as reasons for his endorsement.

However, Al-Husainy’s past comments have raised eyebrows. In a 2022 interview, he praised Iran, calling it a light that spreads to Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and beyond. He has also been accused of hosting a rally where he wished death upon Saudi Arabia amid the Yemeni civil war.

In a 2007 appearance on Fox News, Al-Husainy was pressed on whether he considers Hezbollah a terrorist organization. Despite the State Department’s designation of Hezbollah as such, the imam dodged the question, citing a biblical interpretation of the term.

Despite these controversies, Al-Husainy has been selected to deliver a benediction at Trump’s inauguration, alongside a Catholic priest, a rabbi, and a Detroit pastor. This decision has sparked criticism and raised questions about the Trump administration’s stance on controversial figures within the Muslim community.

Dearborn, Michigan, home to a large Muslim population, played a crucial role in the 2024 election, with Arab voters expressing their dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Many Arab American voters in the area opted to support Trump as a form of protest against Vice President Kamala Harris.

Overall, Al-Husainy’s selection for Trump’s inauguration has reignited debates about religious tolerance, political alliances, and the complexities of the Muslim American community. As the country prepares for a new administration, the role of figures like Al-Husainy will continue to be scrutinized and debated.