Trump Appoints Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi as Ambassador to Tunisia
President Trump names Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi as ambassador to Tunisia. Bazzi, a U.S. Marine veteran and Trump supporter, aims to focus on peace in the Middle East and immigration issues. His appointment is pending Senate confirmation.
Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi has been appointed as the U.S. ambassador to Tunisia by President Donald Trump. Bazzi, who endorsed Trump previously, has expressed views supporting the resolution of wars and controlling unauthorized immigration. Trump recognized Bazzi’s military background and his engineering experience with major corporations like Ford and Boeing in his announcement on Truth Social. This is the second mayor from Detroit selected by Trump for an ambassadorial role in the region within a week, following the appointment of Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib as ambassador to Kuwait.
Bazzi, an immigrant from Lebanon and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has served as mayor since January 2021. He was elected to a four-year term later that year with 72% of the vote, indicating strong community support. His collaborative work with the State Department and other organizations on international programs, including a recent trip to Jordan, highlights his diplomatic interests. Although he did not respond to inquiries, he expressed gratitude for the ambassador nomination and shared his connection to Tunisia through prior visits and engagements.
Bazzi has actively supported Trump, stating he aims to bring peace in the Middle East and address issues surrounding immigration. During a press call, he criticized illegal immigration and its ramifications on American society, particularly mentioning the demographic relevance of Arab Americans in Dearborn Heights. Having roots in Southern Lebanon, Bazzi has also voiced concerns about the Israeli-Lebanese conflict, noting the impact on his heritage.
Amidst his political endeavors, Bazzi’s role within Michigan’s Shia Muslim community has included participation in local Muslim events. He has spoken at Trump rallies and supported the campaign vigorously. Tunisia, where he will serve as ambassador, has a population of approximately 12 million and was the birthplace of the Arab Spring uprisings.
Before Bazzi can officially take on the ambassador role, he, along with Ghalib, must receive approval from the U.S. Senate. Originally from Lebanon, he moved to the U.S. at age 10 and is a graduate of Fordson High School. His career spans over two decades at Ford before dedicating his time to serve as mayor. If confirmed and he resigns, a majority vote by the city council will appoint an interim mayor until the end of his term.
In summary, President Donald Trump’s selection of Bill Bazzi as ambassador to Tunisia illustrates a significant political endorsement influenced by his military service, engineering background, and previous support for Trump’s policies. Bazzi’s commitment to international relations and community engagement underscore his readiness for this role. Pending Senate confirmation, the transition will prompt a new chapter in both his political career and his responsibilities to Dearborn Heights.
Original Source: www.freep.com
