Amer Ghalib: The Yemeni Migrant Who Helped Elect Trump, Landed the Kuwait Ambassadorship

Amer Ghalib, a Yemeni-American politician, has drawn attention since becoming mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan—a city with a Muslim majority. Once a Democrat, Ghalib is now known for his conservative stance, vocal opposition to homosexuals rights, and recent endorsement of Donald Trump for a second term in 2024.

In the lead-up to the November election, Ghalib backed the Republican candidate, calling Trump the “right and necessary choice” for this critical moment.

“President Trump and I may not agree on everything, but I know he is a man of principles,” Ghalib said in a post on Facebook.

“Though it’s looking good, he may or may not win the election and be the 47th president of the United States, but I believe he is the right choice for this critical time. I’ll not regret my decision no matter what the outcome would be, and I’m ready to face the consequences.”

“Now, let the Caravan begin its journey,” Ghalib added. “This is just the starting point.”

U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait

Following his outspoken support for Donald Trump’s reelection, Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib has been named the next U.S. ambassador to Kuwait. Trump announced the appointment on March 8, 2025, praising Ghaleb’s role in securing Michigan for the Republicans, calling it a “historic victory.”

In his statement on Truth Social, Trump highlighted Ghaleb’s academic background and public service in healthcare, expressing confidence that he would bring pride to the United States in his new diplomatic post. Ghaleb’s appointment marks a historic first—making him the first Yemeni-American and Arab to hold such a position in U.S. history.

Grateful for the nomination, Ghalib thanked Trump for his trust, calling Kuwait “dear to his heart” and vowing to strengthen ties between the two nations. He revealed that he had been given three options: a White House advisory role, a deputy secretary of state position, or an ambassadorship of his choosing. After careful consideration, he selected Kuwait from a list of available countries.

Ghalib expressed gratitude to the people of Hamtramck, thanking his city’s diverse and vibrant community for their unwavering support. 

He stated: “I will make sure that as your mayor I will do my best to represent and serve ALL corners of our community, no matter your faith, your background, who you love, or your political views.”

Reflecting on his journey, Ghalib noted that he spent 12 years studying medicine and nearly a decade serving in the healthcare field before his deep-rooted passion for politics and community work led him to run for mayor.

Trump’s appointment of Ghalib as ambassador to Kuwait was a gesture of appreciation for his endorsement during the presidential race.

Fighting Homosexuality

Born in 1980 in Yemen’s Ibb province, Amer Ghalib immigrated to the U.S. in 1998 after finishing high school. He studied in Michigan, earning a bachelor's degree in medical sciences from Wayne State University in 2005, followed by a doctorate in medicine from Ross University. His career spanned teaching and healthcare before settling as an internist at Hamtramck Medical Group.

Ghalib gained his community’s trust through hard work and professionalism, eventually rising as a prominent political figure. Once a Democrat, he aligned with the party’s mainstream views, which resonated with much of Michigan’s electorate. In 2021, he made history as Hamtramck’s first Arab Muslim mayor, securing a decisive victory over Karen Majewski.

Despite his Democratic roots, Ghalib opposed the party’s progressive shift under President Joe Biden, particularly its stance on “LGBTQ+ rights.” He publicly rejected same-sex marriage legislation signed in 2022 and was outspoken after Biden revealed “his own granddaughter’s LGBTQ+ identity.”

In a July 2024 interview, Ghalib reflected on his strong opposition to homosexual books in schools and “pride flags” in city streets, calling it a groundbreaking decision that sparked intense pressure. He proudly declared that they stood firm in their values, with their city becoming a media hotspot for being the only one to ban such materials in schools.

Ghalib has been a vocal critic of Democratic policies, arguing that the push for social liberalism has led to legal battles against him for refusing to compromise on his religious and moral beliefs.

A Political Shift

For years, Amer Ghalib was a strong Democratic voice within the Arab American community. However, his unexpected endorsement of Donald Trump in late 2024 shocked both supporters and critics alike. His influence played a key role in flipping Michigan—a traditionally Democratic stronghold—to the Republican camp, helping Trump secure a historic victory in the state.

Ghalib was an active force in Trump’s 2024 campaign, mobilizing Muslim voters across the U.S. in support of the Republican candidate. He cited foreign policy and the situation in Gaza as major factors behind his shift, but also pointed to growing frustration with domestic policies under Joe Biden’s administration.

In a September 24, 2024, interview with Alhurra, Ghalib shared that during a time of deep disappointment with Biden’s leadership, members of Trump’s campaign had visited his office multiple times and extended a formal invitation to meet him. 

He said the meeting marked a turning point, where they discussed various issues, especially those related to the Middle East, and that Trump was receptive to his concerns.

Ghalib was deeply moved by Trump’s pledge to end conflicts and halt wars in the Middle East. In a 2024 video posted on social media, he recalled his encounter with Trump, revealing that he shared their concerns, and Trump showed great understanding. Trump even invited him to join him on stage at a campaign rally, but Ghalib hesitated, worried it could spark unnecessary controversy.

Although Hamtramck, his city, has long been a Democratic stronghold with a significant Arab and Muslim population, Ghalib remained open to engaging with Republicans. He explained that for a long time, there had been little to no relationship with the Republican Party, but now they were opening new channels of communication and working to build trust.

He acknowledged that while he and Trump don’t see eye to eye on every issue, particularly on immigration, he believes Trump is a man of principle and the best choice for the current global crisis. Ghalib also hopes Trump will reconsider his previous immigration policies, which included travel bans affecting Yemen, his country of origin.

Ghalib highlighted the vital role Yemenis play in the U.S., describing them as hardworking and integral to the nation, and expressed hope that Trump would recognize their contributions. 

On Yemen’s ongoing crisis, he called for a political resolution and urged the U.S. to help establish a legitimate, elected government. He emphasized that Yemenis are victims of a conflict driven by foreign powers and expressed optimism that Trump could help bring a meaningful solution.