Michigan, a critical battleground state, has one of the country’s largest Arab American populations, a group that has grown increasingly vocal against U.S. support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Trump told the audience that the state's Muslim and Arab voters could be pivotal in the 2024 election, highlighting Michigan’s diverse electorate.

During the rally, Trump shared that he had met earlier in the day with Muslim leaders. His campaign introduced the onstage participants as “prominent leaders” within Michigan’s Muslim community, including Imam Belal Alzuhairi, who called Trump the “peace” candidate, citing his vow to end ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

“We, as Muslims, stand with President Trump because he promises peace, not war,” Alzuhairi said, expressing hope for a shift in U.S. policy under Trump’s leadership. Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi, Michigan’s first Muslim mayor, echoed Alzuhairi's sentiments, praising the relative calm during Trump’s presidency. “When President Trump was president, it was peace,” Bazzi stated, according to media reports. He highlighted that “there were no wars,” positioning Trump as a candidate who could restore regional stability.

However, Trump’s campaign outreach to the Muslim community has raised questions, given his administration’s prior policies, which included the controversial travel ban restricting citizens from several Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S. After facing numerous legal challenges, parts of the “travel ban” survived until President Joe Biden rescinded it upon taking office. More recently, Trump has pledged to extend the travel restrictions if he wins the election, potentially banning refugees from Gaza, citing security concerns.

At the rally, Trump also emphasised his appeal to a broad base, including “Jews, Catholics, evangelicals, Mormons, and Muslims,” adding that he is gaining support across religious groups who seek peace in the Middle East.

Republican Representative Darrell Issa of California, a Trump supporter and the grandson of Lebanese immigrants, echoed this, underscoring Trump’s relationships with Middle Eastern leaders and his influence as a stabilising force.

Michigan’s Arab American community has also expressed frustration with the Biden administration, particularly around the escalating Gaza conflict.

As the conflict continues, Trump’s campaign aims to capitalise on this discontent, framing him as a pro-peace candidate in contrast to the current administration’s stance.

In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris, who was also in Michigan campaigning, faced a protester calling for an end to the Gaza war, prompting her to address the need for a ceasefire and a resolution to the ongoing crisis.