Why Muslim Voters Turned to Trump in 2024 Elections

On January 20, 2025, Donald J. Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States, marking a historic return to the White House. But amidst the polarized debates and shifting allegiances, one of the most surprising outcomes of the 2024 election was the significant support Trump garnered even from Muslim voters—a group long seen as a Democratic stronghold.

This dramatic shift wasn’t just about partisan politics; it was a reflection of deeper frustrations, a changing political landscape, and the power of direct engagement. Here’s a closer look at why Muslim voters abandoned their traditional Democratic alliance and how this moment could reshape the future of American politics.

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From the “Muslim Ban” to Middle East Peace

Trump’s history with Muslim voters has been contentious. In January 2017, just days into his first presidency, he implemented the infamous “Muslim ban,” restricting travel from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Yemen. For many, it symbolized hostility toward Muslims and set the tone for a strained relationship with the community.

Yet by 2024, a surprising narrative began to emerge. Sam Alasri, a Yemeni-American and chairman of the Yemen American Political Action Committee, who had previously backed Joe Biden in 2020, voted for Trump this time. His reasoning was stark: “Trump 2020 is different from Trump 2024. We’re looking for peace, we’re not looking for anything else.”

Alasri’s sentiment echoed across key swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, where Muslim voters were drawn to Trump’s promise of peace in the Middle East—a stark contrast to Democratic policies that many felt had exacerbated conflicts in the region.

The Gaza War: A Turning Point

The October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,200 people, and the subsequent Israeli response marked a turning point for many Muslim voters. The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 45,000 Palestinian deaths from Israeli airstrikes, including 17,000 children. For many Muslims in the U.S., this was more than a geopolitical crisis—it was deeply personal, with family members and friends caught in the crossfire.

Vice President Kamala Harris’ response to the conflict, described as unwavering support for Israel, alienated many in the Muslim community. “Unfortunately, the first thing that came out of [Harris’ team’s] mouth is that there will be no change in foreign policy regarding Lebanon and Israel,” said Albert Abbas, a prominent Muslim businessman in Michigan.

While Democrats struggled to connect with Muslim voters, the Republican Party seized the opportunity. Trump’s campaign strategically engaged with Muslim and Arab leaders, particularly in Michigan’s Dearborn, home to the largest Muslim population in the U.S.

Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman and Trump’s in-law, spearheaded outreach efforts. Meetings with Muslim leaders focused on Trump’s commitment to Middle East peace, a message that resonated deeply. At a meet-and-greet hosted by Abbas in Dearborn, more than 200 Muslim and Arab leaders gathered to hear Trump’s vision.

In stark contrast, Abbas criticized Harris’ closed-door meetings with select Muslim leaders, which he described as dismissive and unproductive. “The Democrats took us for granted,” said Abbas.

Foreign policy wasn’t the only factor driving Muslim voters to Trump. For many, social issues and economic concerns played a significant role.

Alasri pointed to the Democratic Party’s progressive stance on gender identity and family values as a key reason for his shift. “Republicans understand a woman is a woman and a man is a man,” he said, reflecting a sentiment shared by socially conservative Muslims.

Economic priorities also swayed voters. Faye Nemar, CEO of the Middle Eastern and North African American Chamber of Commerce, highlighted frustration with Democratic spending priorities. “While FEMA faced a $9 billion deficit for Hurricane Helene recovery, Congress allocated $8.7 billion in military aid to Israel,” Nemar said.

Generational Shifts: Young Muslims Rally for Trump

Surprisingly, Trump’s appeal extended to younger Muslim voters. Rabiul Chowdhury, 29, co-founded Muslims for Trump, an organization dedicated to flipping traditionally blue Muslim voters. Chowdhury described Trump as “anti-war, pro-America first,” contrasting him with what he called Biden’s “failed presidency.”

This younger generation of Muslim voters has grown up in a post-9/11 world, balancing their American and Muslim identities. For many, the Democratic Party’s failure to address their concerns about Gaza, foreign policy, and domestic issues signaled a need for change.

Muslim voters played a decisive role in key swing states, where their numbers are concentrated. With an estimated 2.5 million registered Muslim voters, their influence is amplified in battlegrounds like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota.

Dearborn, Michigan, became a symbol of this shift. Trump captured nearly 47% of the vote in a city where Democrats traditionally dominated. Jaylani Hussein, executive director of CAIR-Minnesota, emphasized the strategic importance of the Muslim vote: “Allah has put us strategically in swing states.”

While Trump’s Muslim ban remains a controversial policy, some Muslim leaders have nuanced views. Jaylani Hussein pointed out that the ban expanded on policies implemented by the Obama administration, which had already identified certain Muslim-majority nations as “countries of concern.”

However, Hussein acknowledged that Trump’s broader restrictions alienated many. “He did say the Muslim ban. We’re not denying that. But we must engage with him now as our president,” he said, urging Muslims to advocate for peace and community priorities under Trump’s leadership.

The 2024 election marked a turning point for Muslim voters in the United States. Long considered a reliable Democratic voting bloc, they demonstrated their willingness to shift allegiances when their values and concerns were ignored.

This realignment underscores the importance of genuine engagement and policy responsiveness. For Republicans, it’s a validation of their outreach efforts. For Democrats, it’s a wake-up call to rebuild trust and address the needs of a diverse electorate.

As Trump begins his second presidency, the Muslim community faces a complex future. With the power of their vote proven, they now have a platform to push for meaningful change on issues that matter most—from peace in the Middle East to preserving family values and economic stability.

The 2024 election serves as a reminder that no voting bloc can be taken for granted, and the voices of even small communities can shape the nation’s political future.