Top Biden aides to meet with Muslim, Arab community leaders amid their outcry over his Israel stance
ABC News
President Joe Biden’s senior aides plan to meet with Muslim and Arab American leaders in Michigan on Thursday as he continues to face criticism over the Israel-Hamas war
President Joe Biden’s senior aides plan to meet with Muslim and Arab American leaders in Michigan on Thursday, as he continues to face sharp criticism from those groups -- as well as some progressive and younger voters -- for his response to the Israel-Hamas war.
A source familiar with Biden's plans confirmed the upcoming meeting, which will include Steve Benjamin, the administration’s public engagement director; Mazen Basrawi, the liaison between the White House and American Muslim communities; the U.S. Agency for International Development administrator, Samantha Power; the principal deputy national security adviser, Jon Finer; and Tom Perez, the intergovernmental affairs director.
Jaime Citron and Dan Koh, other top Biden aides, will also attend, the source added.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on Wednesday that the administration is focused on outreach.
"The president has met with Americans with varying opinions about the conflict between Israel and Hamas. ... Officials at the White House are also in regular contact with Muslim and Arab American leaders in Michigan, across the country," she said.
