Amer Ghalib has gained significant national attention as the mayor of Hamtramck, Michigan, following his election in 2021. He made history as the first Arab American and first Muslim to serve in this role, leading what is believed to be the first all-Muslim City Council in the United States.
Two years into his tenure, Ghalib drew controversy when he and fellow socially conservative Muslims prohibited the display of the L.G.B.T.Q. Pride flag on public flagpoles. This decision raised alarms among liberal residents, who claimed it undermined the city’s inclusive reputation.
The situation escalated last month after Ghalib endorsed former President Donald J. Trump, who previously enacted a travel ban affecting immigrants from several majority-Muslim countries, including Yemen. Trump's visit to Hamtramck was seen as an attempt to gain support from Muslim voters in Michigan, a key swing state.
Ghalib explained his endorsement by expressing frustration with liberal social policies, discontent with President Biden's backing of Israel, and a belief that Trump could help resolve Middle Eastern conflicts. Many longtime liberal residents of Hamtramck, including members of the L.G.B.T.Q. community, expressed disappointment over the mayor's alignment with Trump.
Hamtramck, a diverse city of around 30,000 residents located north of Detroit, has historically embraced immigration and cultural diversity. The arrival of Muslim immigrants, particularly from Yemen and Bangladesh, has transformed the demographic landscape, leading to complex political dynamics.
Former mayor Karen Majewski, who was instrumental in fostering a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants, noted that the city has long prided itself on its diversity. However, she expressed frustration at Ghalib's endorsement of Trump, describing it as a betrayal of the city’s values.
As tensions within the city rise, Mohammed Hassan, a city council member from the Bangladeshi community, publicly supported Vice President Kamala Harris, aiming to rally voters against Ghalib’s base. He emphasized the importance of Democratic policies for the working class and criticized Trump’s immigration rhetoric.
Ghalib, who previously faced backlash for his conservative views, indicated that his shift towards the Republican party was influenced by the divisive nature of social issues in Hamtramck. He defended his actions, including the decision to remove the Pride flag, as necessary to maintain neutrality in a politically charged environment.
Despite the backlash from liberal constituents, Ghalib found camaraderie with MAGA Republicans, leading to outreach from Trump’s team. In emphasizing the alienation felt by many Muslim Americans towards Democrats, Ghalib cited the Biden administration's policies regarding Israel and the lack of substantial change despite protests.
While acknowledging some of Trump’s controversial statements and actions, Ghalib expressed hope for future progress and maintained a positive view of the former president’s intentions regarding the Middle East. “I hope he will not disappoint me,” Ghalib remarked, highlighting a complex relationship between local politics, immigrant identities, and national narratives.