Trump on Ghalib: ‘greatest mayor in the whole world’

Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib once again visited with former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee. This time he met up with him a campaign rally in Warren. Word is, Trump may be coming to Hamtramck next Thursday, Oct. 10.

By Charles Sercombe
Mayor Amer Ghalib was hoping that former President Donald Trump, who he recently endorsed, would visit Hamtramck.
That may be happening.
Just as the Review was going to press Thursday, there is a good chance that Trump is coming to Hamtramck next Thursday, Oct. 10, to celebrate the grand opening of his campaign office at Jos. Campau and Pulaski, according to several sources.
Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, is scheduled to speak at the Detroit Economic Club on that day.
Mayor Ghalib alluded to the visit in a Facebook post, saying the Hamtramck office is hosting a Trump rally watch this Saturday (Oct. 5) and is in “preparation for the historic grand opening to be announced later.”
Ghalib has met twice with Trump, first at campaign rally in Flint, and then last week at a rally in Warren.
As for Ghalib endorsing Trump, it has attracted the attention of national media outlets for a number of reasons; one being that Ghalib is Muslim, and the mayor of a city known to be a historically Democratic stronghold.
Most of the national press focused on Ghalib being Muslim and his unlikely endorsement despite that while president, Trump had a travel ban of people from Muslim majority countries, including Yemen, and has previously described the Middle East populations in American cities as an “infestation” that should be eradicated.
Ghalib, who is from Yemen, and many others in the Muslim community, had a falling out with President Biden over his continued support of Israel, and its war in Gaza that has so far resulted in the death of about 40,000 Palestinians.
Also, last June on CNN, Trump said he is in favor to “let Israel finish the job” in Gaza.
Ghalib said he believes Trump will end the war in Gaza.
Biden, a Democrat, has since dropped out of the race for re-election after a disastrous debate performance, and Vice Present Kamala Harris is now seeking that job.
Harris has urged a ceasefire in Gaza, but it’s unclear what position she would take on Israel and its war in Gaza if she became elected.
At Trump’s Warren rally, Ghalib was joined by Councilmembers Khalil Refai, Muhtasin Sadman, Mohammed Hassan and Abu Musa.
On his Facebook page, Ghalib said he was invited to take a photo with Trump.
Trump, Ghalib said, complimented him, saying “Let me take a good picture with the greatest mayor in the whole world.”

Ghalib went on to say: “I met President Trump again today, before the town hall in Warren, for a short time, then he asked to meet me again after the event, and we did. The meetings were not planned for, but he asked for them.”
Sadman has since publicly endorsed Trump.
“I think Donald Trump will be our best choice who can represent our country for next 4 years. And one thing I want to make clear is that, this my own independent decision that is given by U.S. Constitution.
“It doesn’t reflect the whole city council decision. Every other council member in our cabinet has their own independent choice and thought.”
Councilmember Refai appears to also endorse Trump.
“It was an important event that highlighted the need for strong leadership in America,” Refai said about the rally.
Although Hassan attended the rally, he has said on his Facebook page that he has not yet decided which presidential nominee to endorse.
Musa has also not endorsed either candidate yet, publicly.
After the rally, a Trump campaign office opened at Jos. Campau and Pulaski, where the famed Attic Bar was once located.
It is apparently the only Trump field office in Wayne County. This Saturday, Oct. 5, a gathering will take place there to watch Trump’s rally in Pennsylvania.
That event starts at 4 p.m.
News of Ghalib’s endorsement obviously garnered praise and criticism.
Most of the comments on Ghalib’s Facebook page were supportive.
“This is a leadership of our nation and we are proud of Ameer Ghalib to have the support of meeting with the president thank you,” said Masaud Aboraihan.
Yahay A. Obeid also agreed: “I stand with Mayor Amer Ghalib on his decision to endorse President Trump. I have a lot of respect for Dr. Ghalib as a professional, a community leader, and a politician. I am sure he made a calculated decision. …”

Elsewhere, Ghalib faced backlash.
Dawn Costello was blunt in her criticism:
“Trump took over $500 million in humanitarian aid away from the Palestinian people when he was in office in 2018. Hey Ghalib, is that your ‘man of principles’?
“Do some research before you use the city position to bootlick Trump. Please speak for yourself and leave Hamtramck out of the Trump toilet.”
Posted Oct. 4, 2024