A controversial Muslim cleric from Michigan emerges as an unexpected addition to President-elect Trump's upcoming inauguration ceremony.
According to Fox News, Husham Al-Husainy, who previously made headlines for refusing to condemn Hezbollah and expressing support for Iran, has reportedly been selected to deliver a benediction at Trump's inauguration.
The Iraqi-American imam, who oversees the Karbalaa Islamic Education Center in Dearborn, Michigan, had publicly endorsed Trump before the November election. Al-Husainy cited Trump's alignment with religious texts as his reason for support, specifically mentioning the Bible, Torah, and Quran.
The selection of Al-Husainy has drawn attention due to his controversial history of public statements. In a 2022 interview, as reported by the Middle East Media and Research Institute, he praised Iran's influence across the Middle East.
The conservative nonprofit Middle East Forum has characterized him as holding radical views and described him as pro-Hezbollah.
During a notable 2007 appearance on Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes" program, Al-Husainy repeatedly avoided directly answering whether he considered Hezbollah a terrorist organization. When pressed by Sean Hannity, the imam responded with this statement:
First of all – first of all, Hezbollah is a Lebanese organization. And I've got nothing to do with that. But there is a biblical meaning of Hezbollah. It is in Judaism and Christianity and Islam meaning people of God and that means yes.
The State Department's designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization since 1997 makes Al-Husainy's reluctance to condemn the group particularly noteworthy.
The appointment reflects broader changes in Muslim voter demographics, particularly in Michigan. Dearborn, home to America's largest proportional Muslim population, became the epicenter of the "Abandon Biden" movement last year. The movement later shifted its focus to opposing Vice President Harris after Biden's withdrawal from the race in July.
Muslim voters demonstrated evolving political preferences in the 2024 election. While Harris secured 63% of the Muslim vote compared to Trump's 32%, this represented a slight decline from Biden's 64% share in 2020. The shift became particularly significant in swing states like Michigan.
Arab American voters in Dearborn specifically cited opposition to Harris's stance on the Israel-Hamas war as their motivation for supporting Trump. Local community leaders emphasized that these votes represented a protest against Democratic policies rather than enthusiastic support for Trump.
The inauguration program, as shared by Matt Foldi of the Washington Reporter, indicates that Al-Husainy will share the stage with other religious leaders. These include Catholic priest Rev. Frank Mann, Rabbi Ari Berman, and Detroit pastor Lorenzo Sewell, representing a diverse interfaith presence at the ceremony.
When approached for comment about Al-Husainy's invitation and previous statements, the Trump transition team did not provide a response. Similarly, attempts to reach Al-Husainy through his Islamic center went unanswered.
The significance of this appointment extends beyond mere ceremonial considerations. It highlights the complex intersection of religious leadership, political allegiances, and community representation in American democracy.
