This appointment expands his role beyond his current position as Senior Advisor to the President on Arab and Middle Eastern issues. His selection aligns with the administration’s strategic interest in strengthening U.S. engagement in Africa, particularly in conflict resolution and private sector investment.
Starting April 3, Boulos will embark on a regional tour alongside Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Corina Sanders. Their itinerary includes visits to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda, with a focus on supporting sustainable peace initiatives in eastern DRC and enhancing economic ties between the U.S. and African nations.
Early Life and Education
Massad Boulos was born in 1971 in Kfar Aabida, a village in northern Lebanon, to a prominent Orthodox Christian family. His father was the mayor of Kfar Aabida, and his uncle served as a member of parliament and government minister in Lebanon.
During his teenage years, Boulos moved with his family to Texas, where he later obtained U.S. citizenship. He pursued higher education at the University of Houston, earning a degree in law. He is fluent in Arabic, English, and French.
Business Ventures and African Ties
Boulos began his career in law before transitioning into the business sector. In 1997, he moved to Nigeria to take over the management of SCOA Nigeria PLC, a company specializing in the distribution and assembly of trucks and heavy machinery. Over time, he expanded his business interests, establishing Boulos Enterprises, which secured exclusive rights to distribute Suzuki vehicles and Chinese motorcycles in Africa.
Despite media portrayals of him as a billionaire tycoon, corporate records indicate that SCOA Nigeria PLC made a profit of less than $66,000 last year, with the company valued at approximately $865,000. His business activities have led some to describe him as a “truck salesman,” a label that contrasts with his reputation as a high-profile dealmaker. However, his influence in African business circles and political connections remain significant.
Political Rise and Relationship with Trump
Boulos gained political prominence in the U.S. following his son Michael Boulos’s marriage to Tiffany Trump, the daughter of President Donald Trump. His close ties to the Trump family led to his involvement in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, where he played a crucial role in securing Arab-American and Muslim-American votes for Trump’s campaign.
Boulos actively engaged with Arab and Muslim communities, particularly in Michigan, advocating for Trump’s policies and emphasizing his stance on Middle Eastern affairs. His efforts contributed to Trump’s outreach strategy in these communities, which had largely supported Joe Biden in previous elections.
Following Trump’s victory in the 2024 election, Boulos was appointed as the Senior Advisor for Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs. His latest appointment further extends his advisory role to include African affairs.
Diplomatic Mission in Africa
As part of his new responsibilities, Boulos is expected to engage in high-level discussions with regional leaders. His upcoming visit to Africa will focus on addressing conflicts in eastern DRC, fostering trade relations, and encouraging U.S. private sector involvement in African economies.
Boulos’s appointment reflects the Trump administration’s broader strategy of strengthening U.S. influence in Africa through both diplomatic and economic initiatives. Whether his business background and political ties will translate into effective diplomatic outcomes remains to be seen.