Muslim supporters of Donald Trump denounce pro-Israel cabinet picks in new administration

Some Muslim leaders who backed former President Donald Trump have voiced disappointment over his cabinet appointments, citing concerns about their strong pro-Israel stances.

Trump’s selection of Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State drew criticism for Rubio’s unwavering support of Israel and opposition to a ceasefire in Gaza, according to Reuters news agency.

Rubio has publicly stated that Israel should dismantle “every element” of Hamas, referring to the group as “vicious animals.”

Similarly, Trump’s nomination of *Mike Huckabee* as the next ambassador to Israel has sparked backlash. Huckabee, a staunch supporter of Israeli policies, has dismissed the feasibility of a two-state solution and endorsed Israel’s occupation of the West Bank.

The appointment of Representative Elise Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations has also raised concerns. Stefanik has described the UN a “cesspool of antisemitism” over its criticism of Gaza-related casualties.

Muslim leaders like Rexhinaldo Nazarko, of the American Muslim Engagement and Empowerment Network (AMEEN), expressed frustration, saying the picks do not reflect a commitment to peace. “This administration seems packed with neoconservatives and staunchly pro-Israel figures, which is a failure for those of us advocating for peace,” he said.

However, Rola Makki vice chair for outreach of the Michigan Republican Party, argued that Trump’s broader intentions for peace should be acknowledged, contrasting his administration with the Biden administration under whose term conflicts have escalated significantly.

“I don’t think everyone’s going to be happy with every appointment Trump makes, but the outcome is what matters.”

“I do know that Trump wants peace, and what people need to realize is that there’s 50,000 dead Palestinians and 3,000 dead Lebanese, and that’s happened during the current administration,” she added.

The divide underscores the tension between Muslim Trump supporters’ expectations and the policy direction of his new administration.