Controversy Surrounds Ghalib’s Nomination as US Ambassador to Kuwait

Controversy Surrounds Hamtramck Mayor’s Nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait

As discussions intensify around Amer Ghalib’s potential appointment as U.S. ambassador to Kuwait, several organizations focused on combatting antisemitism have voiced their opposition. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the American Jewish Committee (AJC), and StopAntisemitism are among those urging President Trump to reconsider his nomination.

Ghalib, who became the first Muslim mayor of Hamtramck in 2021, was nominated following his endorsement of former President Trump during the 2024 election. This move is credited with helping Trump garner support from Arab American voters in Michigan, particularly through Ghalib’s efforts to address the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Trump acknowledged Ghalib’s contributions by stating on Truth Social, “Amer worked hard to help us secure a historic victory in Michigan.”

Despite this political support, Ghalib’s nomination has been met with criticism due to his ties to the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. The Hamtramck City Council had earlier passed Resolution 2024-51, endorsing the movement.

In a tweet, the ADL expressed concerns about Ghalib, stating, “Ghalib routinely traffics in antisemitism, actively supports the antisemitic BDS movement, attempted to justify the 10/7 massacre, and refused to take disciplinary action against an appointee who attempted to justify the Holocaust.”

When the Hamtramck Review questioned Ghalib about an appointee’s controversial social media post, he responded, “What do I have to do with his posts!”

Further condemnation came from StopAntisemitism, which criticized Ghalib’s past remarks, noting in an email, “He even called Saddam Hussein, the dictator who invaded Kuwait, a ‘martyr.’ Given these and other concerning positions by Amer Ghalib siding with America’s enemies, we implore the Trump administration to reverse this decision and withdraw the nomination.”

In support of the mayor, Hamtramck City Manager Maxwell Garbarino stated, “City Hall supports our mayor.” Meanwhile, the White House has not yet officially forwarded Ghalib’s nomination to the Senate for consideration.