Arab American voters in Dearborn, Michigan, turned to President-elect Trump, motivated by Vice President Harris' position on the Israel-Hamas war. They didn’t back Trump because they thought he was the best option.
"They voted for Trump to punish the Democrats and Harris," said Osama Siblani, publisher of Arab American News.
Muslim voters favored Harris by 32 percentage points. Harris got 63% of the vote, while Trump secured 32%. In 2020, Biden had won 64% of the Muslim vote, and Trump had 35%.
In Michigan, Trump's support was pivotal. Mike Hachem, a leader of the Abandon Biden movement, told Fox News that Trump's visits to Michigan were well-received.
"Trump showed he cared about our community, while Harris ignored us," Hachem explained.
Amer Zahr felt the anger over the Biden administration’s Gaza policies sparked political maturity among voters. "The Democrats did this," Zahr said. "Trump came to our city, shaking hands, kissing babies, while Harris stayed away."
Michael Sareini, the Dearborn city council president, said voters wanted to send a clear message. "And they did," he told Politico.
Sam Baydoun, a Wayne County commissioner, said the aftermath of the Israel-Hamas war took a toll on voters. "Every morning, I wake up to hear which village was destroyed and who was killed," Baydoun said.
Ismael Ahmed, a political organizer, pointed out that Trump spoke to voters' concerns. "Trump's promises made them believe he was on their side," he said. "And it worked."