Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law, Massad Boulos, was initially hailed as a key Middle East advisor, but it seems his political influence doesn’t match the titles he’s been given. From inflated business cards to unsanctioned interviews, Boulos’ role has raised eyebrows. How did he go from a key Middle East figure to a seemingly sidelined player in African diplomacy?

Massad Boulos, father of Tiffany Trump’s husband Michael, was appointed by Donald Trump as a senior advisor on Middle East policy just before the 2020 election, largely due to his business connections and family ties.

However, what appeared to be a prestigious role has turned out to be little more than a symbolic gesture.

Boulos, initially praised for his purported expertise in the Middle East, was later quietly reassigned to focus on African policy—though this role, too, is far less impactful than one might expect.

Internal sources have revealed that Boulos had no clear responsibilities within the Trump administration.

Though initially touted as a key figure in Middle Eastern affairs, he has been largely excluded from vital discussions, often relegated to an office within the Africa Bureau of the State Department.

His influence, insiders claim, is minimal, despite Boulos’ attempts to elevate his position.

He has been seen handing out business cards that overstate his authority, referring to himself as a “senior advisor to the president,” which has caused some to question his understanding of his actual position.

Compounding the issue, Boulos has made public statements that contradict the administration’s policy.

In a particularly controversial interview with Middle Eastern media, he questioned the U.S. recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara, a matter closely tied to Trump’s diplomatic efforts to foster ties between Morocco and Israel.

The interview sparked anger from the Moroccan government and required a public clarification from Boulos and the White House to reaffirm the official position.

His unsanctioned actions, including giving interviews without consulting the State Department, raised eyebrows within the administration, particularly as they often seemed to undermine the carefully crafted policies of the Trump White House.

Despite these missteps, there were moments where Boulos managed to score some wins. In his brief time as an advisor on African policy, Boulos helped broker a deal between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to address ongoing violence in the eastern region.

His involvement in the negotiations to repatriate three Americans from the Congo also drew praise.

Yet, even these successes appear somewhat out of place given Boulos’ limited, somewhat uncoordinated role. Senior officials have admitted that, although he’s made strides in his role, the lack of a clear mandate and a centralized Africa policy left him to fill a gap in a vacuum.

His primary function appears to be as a placeholder in a position that holds little substantive influence.

A senior diplomat remarked that Boulos is an “affable” presence with a good demeanor, but his limited background in African diplomacy means he often operates without the necessary structure or support.

While his diplomatic efforts have earned some praise, the overall picture is one of confusion, as he continues to present himself as a high-level advisor despite his reduced power.

The situation raises larger questions about the Trump administration’s approach to appointments and whether Boulos was ever truly suited for a significant role in foreign policy.

The continued ambivalence surrounding his position underlines a broader issue: whether his appointment was merely a favor to his family and a way to bolster Trump’s image, rather than a strategic move based on real expertise.

The experience has undoubtedly been an awkward one for Boulos, who seems to have been left in the dark about the true nature of his responsibilities.

Boulos’ journey in the administration is a cautionary tale about political appointments based on family connections and symbolic gestures.

It reveals the disconnect between public perception and the reality of a position within a high-stakes, high-pressure environment like the White House.

As the Trump administration continues to unfold, Boulos’ experience serves as a reminder of the importance of true competence over familial ties in shaping the future of U.S. foreign policy.