The White House insists this is a coincidence, yet many observers find it hard to view the executive order as anything but deliberate policy. The agreement signed this Thursday opens the door to sanctions, when they come, against Israeli settlers who commit violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Seconds after the signing, the president boarded Air Force One and left the scene. In Warren, Michigan, he appeared at a campaign event celebrating support from leaders of major labor unions. Yet Michigan also witnessed intense anger among the Arab-American community over what they perceive as unwavering U.S. backing for Israel in the face of Hamas’s escalated operations in Gaza following the October 7 attacks. The conflict has resulted in a grim toll, with thousands of Palestinian lives lost. Critics warn that such outcomes carry significant political consequences for the Democratic Party in upcoming elections.
in free fall
In 2020, Biden carried Michigan by a narrow margin, a state that has become a pivotal battleground. It is a place where support is thinning as the latest Gaza crisis unfolds. Nationally, there is a pattern of disillusionment in the Arab-American community—an erosion seen not only in Michigan but on a broader scale. A late-October survey by the Arab American Institute showed a sharp drop in Biden’s approval, from the high 50s to the mid-teens, a signal of mounting frustration among voters who have historically leaned toward Democratic candidates.
Within Michigan, the shift is especially visible in Dearborn, a city with a substantial Arab-American Muslim population. Data from the most recent census places Arab Americans at a political center in Dearborn, and concerns about U.S. policy toward Israel can shape local political dynamics. The reception Biden faced on Thursday in Warren reflected a broader climate of cold skepticism toward the administration’s approach to the region. The event drew a mix of labor supporters and Gaza critics, including about 150 pro-Palestinian protesters kept at a distance by law enforcement.
Protests and meetings rejected
Protests have become a regular feature of national politics, with some activists labeling Biden in unflattering terms and demanding a ceasefire. Earlier instances have shown interruptions during public remarks, including at a church service in Charleston, and at events in Virginia tied to reproductive rights. The calls from advocates for Gaza have intensified as casualties rise, raising questions about how the administration balances diplomacy, security, and human rights concerns.
Even before Biden’s trip to Michigan, dissatisfaction within parts of the Arab-American community was evident. When campaign organizers sought to meet with local leaders in Dearborn, some invitees declined, signaling a preference for policy discussions with officials rather than campaign staffers. Community leaders stressed that meaningful dialogue must come from policymakers, not campaign teams. City officials echoed the sentiment, describing the moment as a test of trust and a reminder of how deeply held emotions can shape political engagement.
There were public expressions of concern from local leaders, who urged the administration to recognize the severity of the issue without turning away from it. The sentiment among Michigan officials and community organizers was that the situation demands serious, practical engagement rather than broad political rhetoric. Governor Gretchen Whitmer acknowledged the intensity of local feelings in a televised address, noting that the emotions now coursing through the state are real and warranted.
“Leave Biden alone”
Across the country, activists aligned with Palestinian rights have launched a national push to influence the November elections. The slogan “Dump Biden” has surfaced in several communities, signaling a broader push to reevaluate support for the president amid the Gaza crisis. Figures like Khalid Turaani have emphasized a resolve to avoid supporting a leadership they believe has failed to push for substantial changes in policy. Critics argue that continued support could undermine broader coalitions that depend on urgent action and a credible path to a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, others hope to leverage political influence to steer the president back toward a more decisive stance on the conflict. They favor concrete measures, such as a robust ceasefire and a clear shift in policy, over mere statements. Local figures have weighed in, suggesting that political speeches alone will not restore trust or deliver practical outcomes. Some argue that any renewed dialogue must come through substantive policy efforts, rather than campaign events alone.
Public voices in Michigan have underscored the need for accountability and a pragmatic approach. A district leader in Dearborn cautioned that speeches, even if well-intentioned, are unlikely to restore broad, durable support without tangible steps. Others from civil-rights organizations stressed that the community’s concerns demand real, measurable actions. The aim is to avoid rhetoric that feels self-serving and to pursue policies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to justice and safety for all involved.
Ultimately, Biden’s stance on Israel and Gaza is shaping political support among Arab-American and Muslim voters, young voters, and Black voters alike. Advocates warn that neglecting their concerns risks diminishing engagement across multiple segments of the electorate, potentially affecting the broader political landscape in upcoming elections. The Congress, civil-rights organizations, and community groups continue to press for a path that honors human rights while addressing security and stability concerns for all residents in the region.