Trump Nominates Another 'Sadon' Relative to Diplomatic Post... Nepotism Controversy

Donald Trump's election as President of the United States has sparked so-called 'nepotism' controversies as he nominates his in-laws not only for the position of U.S. Ambassador to France but also as an advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.

Masad Bulos. Photo by AP Yonhap News

On the 1st (local time), President-elect Trump announced via his social media platform, Truth Social, the nomination of Masad Bulos, the father-in-law of his daughter Tiffany Trump, as an advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.

President-elect Trump introduced Bulos as "a competent lawyer and a highly respected leader in the business community with extensive international experience," adding, "he played a key role as an asset in the presidential campaign in forging new alliances with the Arab American community." He also emphasized, "Bulos is a deal maker and a staunch supporter of Middle East peace" and "a strong advocate for the United States and its interests."

The statement did not mention that Bulos is his father-in-law. This position does not require Senate approval. Bulos, a Lebanese-American, is known to have played a significant role in rallying support for President-elect Trump among Arab Americans, especially in battleground states during the election campaign.

Notably, this announcement came just one day after President-elect Trump nominated Charles Kushner, the father-in-law of his eldest daughter Ivanka, as Ambassador to France, drawing attention. He consecutively appointed his in-laws to key diplomatic posts. President-elect Trump has five children: Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany, and Barron.

CNN pointed out that "Trump's appointment of his daughters' fathers-in-law (in-laws Bulos and Kushner) to major positions highlights his reliance on family," and noted that "he has long assigned political roles to family members, raising concerns about conflicts of interest and nepotism." The Washington Post (WP) highlighted this as "another in-law."

During his first term from 2017 to 2021, President-elect Trump appointed his eldest daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner as senior advisors in the White House. At that time, his sons Donald Trump Jr. and Eric, who focused on the family real estate business, took center stage during this re-election campaign. His second daughter-in-law Lara Trump also helped with the campaign as co-chair of the Republican National Committee.