The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC) recently stirred intense debate by sharing a tweet endorsing former President Donald J. Trump for the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election.
We are proud to endorse @realDonaldTrump in the 2024 Presidential election
After extensive meetings with the Trump & Harris campaigns, we believe the former President is the candidate who will improve 🇺🇸🇵🇰 relations and promote true democracy in 🇵🇰
Read our statement below: pic.twitter.com/tb36i4eHCC
— PakistaniAmericanPAC (@PAKPAC) October 18, 2024
PAKPAC cited Trump’s potential to improve U.S.-Pakistan relations, address Pakistan’s democratic backsliding, and secure the release of political prisoners. However, this endorsement has sparked significant backlash online. Critics argue that supporting Trump, given his controversial history with Muslims and his authoritarian leanings, undermines the very democratic principles PAKPAC claims to champion.
Trump’s Controversial History with Muslims
Donald Trump’s relationship with the Muslim community has been strained for years. In 2017, his administration implemented the “Muslim Ban,” which restricted immigration from several Muslim-majority countries. This policy sparked outrage, protests, and legal challenges, as many viewed it as Islamophobic and discriminatory. During his 2016 campaign, Trump also called for a “complete shutdown” of Muslims entering the U.S., which further fueled animosity between him and Muslim-Americans.
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Despite this history, PAKPAC’s endorsement of Trump in 2024 suggests a focus on broader geopolitical objectives, such as strengthening U.S.-Pakistan relations, rather than dwelling on Trump’s previous policies toward Muslims. Yet, many in the community find this shift difficult to reconcile, given Trump’s divisive past.
U.S.-Pakistan Relations and Trump’s Diplomatic Engagement
PAKPAC’s endorsement stems from its belief that Trump will strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations. During his presidency, Trump hosted then-Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House in 2019, marking a thaw in relations between the two countries. Trump’s administration engaged in direct talks with Pakistani ministers, promoting security cooperation and trade, something PAKPAC claims the Biden administration has neglected.
However, the criticism raises important questions about Trump’s ability to genuinely promote democracy abroad.
The idea that Trump – a man who is a clear and openly existential threat to American democracy, here at home, who looks on with envy at the Orbans, Putins and Kims of this world – will do anything to reverse ‘democratic backsliding’ in Pakistan is beyond insane. Beyond laughable. https://t.co/m1Uf4m4B8V
— Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) October 18, 2024
His close relationships with authoritarian leaders, such as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, cast doubt on his willingness to support democratic institutions in Pakistan.
Gaza War and Muslim Sentiment
The ongoing Gaza conflict, where Israel’s military actions have escalated into a full-scale war with Hamas, has further complicated PAKPAC’s endorsement of Trump. Many within the Pakistani and broader Muslim-American community feel strongly about the Palestinian cause. Trump’s unwavering support for Israel, including moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem in 2018, has alienated large sections of the Muslim world. His administration’s policies during the Gaza conflict were viewed as one-sided, favoring Israel, while neglecting Palestinian suffering.
Another user voiced alarm on X over Trump’s controversial Middle Eastern policies, emphasizing that his apparent interest in Gaza reflects a more significant disregard for the rights and struggles of Muslim communities.
You endorse the guy that is planning to build a resort on Gaza. You must really want to be deported.
— GGMac K-Hive, Pro Choice, Pro 🇺🇦, F*ck Putin (@GG_MacM13420) October 18, 2024
Critics point out that supporting a candidate linked to controversial plans, such as building a resort in Gaza, reflects a disregard for the humanitarian crisis in the region. This criticism highlights the fear that such an alignment could ultimately harm the Pakistani-American community. The question arises: Can Trump, who has been criticized for dismissing Muslim concerns both domestically and internationally, be the leader to address Pakistan’s challenges?
Read More: Will Trump as President change outcome for Imran Khan?
PAKPAC’s endorsement of Trump for 2024 reflects the complex nature of U.S. politics and the intersection of foreign policy interests. While the organization emphasizes the need for stronger U.S.-Pakistan relations, critics argue that Trump’s track record on Muslims and democracy suggests a disconnect between his rhetoric and reality. For many, supporting Trump is seen as compromising core values in exchange for short-term political gains.
