A Michigan imam with alleged ties to Hezbollah and a documented history of controversial statements has been selected to deliver a benediction at President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration, according to the official program obtained by the Washington Reporter.
Husham Al-Husainy, who leads the Karbalaa Islamic Educational Center in Dearborn, is one of four religious leaders scheduled to speak following Trump's inaugural address on January 20. The selection has drawn criticism from various advocacy groups and social media commentators due to Al-Husainy's past statements and associations.
The Middle East Forum, a conservative think tank focusing on Islamic issues, has characterized Al-Husainy as "a radical anti-Semitic, pro-Hezbollah Shia imam" with "a significant history of extremism." The organization's recent report details several controversial incidents, including a 2006 rally where Al-Husainy reportedly displayed a picture of Hezbollah leader Nasrallah on stage.
In 2007, during an appearance on Fox News' "Hannity & Colmes," Al-Husainy notably refused to designate Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. The Middle East Forum's report also cites a 2015 rally at his Islamic center where he allegedly denounced Saudis as "agents of the Jews" and criticized their "Zionist" planes for attacks on Yemen.
Rabbi Ari Berman, president of Yeshiva University, is among the other three religious leaders selected to participate in the inauguration ceremonies.
The announcement has sparked significant backlash on social media. Amy Mekelburg, founder of Resistance Against Islamic Radicals, questioned the decision, writing, "Why is this terror supporter being invited to deliver the benediction at Trump's inauguration?"
