Mayor of Muslim-majority US city endorses Donald Trump for 2024 election

Amer Ghalib, the mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, a city with a Muslim-majority population, has endorsed Donald Trump for the upcoming 2024 US presidential election.

Amer Ghalib, a Yemeni-born Democrat, made the announcement in a heartfelt post on Facebook, after a private meeting with Trump in Flint, Michigan.

In his post, he expressed his belief that Trump is the right leader for these critical times, even though they do not agree on everything.

He described Trump as "a man of principles" and said he will stand by his endorsement regardless of the election’s outcome.

Amer Ghalib further shared details of his meeting with Trump, where they discussed various issues, including the political situation in Michigan, concerns of Arab-Americans, particularly Yemeni-Americans, and the ongoing conflict in Yemen.

Trump, impressed by Amer Ghalib, praised him in an interview, highlighting that during his administration, there were no new wars, and the world seemed more peaceful.

Trump emphasized that he is the only candidate who can prevent a potential World War III, referencing ongoing global conflicts.

Amer Ghalib’s endorsement is significant, as Michigan is a key swing state in US elections, with its 15 electoral votes up for grabs.

In previous elections, both Democrats and Republicans have won there, making it crucial for Trump’s campaign.

Hamtramck, a city known for its immigrant population, particularly from Yemen, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, is the only Muslim-majority city in the US.

Amer Ghalib, who was elected mayor in 2021, made history as the first non-Polish mayor in over a century.

With a large number of Arab-Americans in Michigan voting "Uncommitted" during the last Democratic primary, Ghalib’s endorsement could influence the voting bloc, potentially affecting the overall election results.

In an exclusive interview with a local news channel, Donald Trump expressed his excitement over the endorsement from Amer Ghalib, the Muslim Democratic mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan.

Trump highlighted how Ghalib admired the peace that was maintained during his administration, stating, "He was a big fan of the Trump administration because he saw no wars outside of defeating ISIS, but I inherited that but there were no wars.

There was no October 7, no Russian attack on Ukraine."

Trump further emphasized his belief that the world is now heading towards potential conflict, adding, "We have a world that’s going to end up in World War 3, and I’m the only one that’s going to stop that."

During the interview, Trump also mentioned that he is open to visiting Hamtramck for a campaign event to engage with Arab American leaders who have become dissatisfied with Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden’s administration.

He stated, "If the opportunity presents itself, I would do that. It can’t remain the way it is now with the hatred that’s going around."

Trump acknowledged the significance of Ghalib’s endorsement, which marks a notable shift among Arab voters who traditionally supported Democrats but are now leaning toward Trump Republicans.

He noted that Ghalib’s leadership in the "Uncommitted" movement against Biden in Michigan’s Democratic primary and the growing "Abandon Harris" sentiment could have a major impact on the 2024 election.

If a portion of the Arab American community follows Ghalib in supporting Trump, it could potentially swing Michigan in Trump’s favour, a critical win that could affect the overall outcome of the presidential race.