Sen. Ted Cruz speaks to reporters on his way to a Senate weekly policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol in Washington Dec. 6, 2022. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Ghalib, the mayor of Hamtramck, Mich., sparred with Cruz and other members of the Senate earlier that day, clashing with several lawmakers over issues like the United States’ relationship with Israel, comments he had made about the war in Gaza and more.
According to the Department of State, Ghalib was born and raised in Yemen before coming to the United States at age 17. After working full-time in an auto parts factory, he attended the Ross University School of Medicine from 2006-2011 and went on to work as a healthcare professional at the Hamtramck Medical Group until his entry into politics.
Ghalib made news when he was elected as mayor in 2021, becoming the first Muslim to fill the role. In that capacity, he endorsed Donald Trump for president in 2023.
"Mr. Ghalib’s journey began as a farmer in Yemen, then as an autoworker in the United States, a healthcare professional, and then as an elected mayor of his city. His multicultural experience, deep regional knowledge and demonstrated success as a politician, leader and community organizer, make him a well-qualified candidate to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the State of Kuwait," the State Department wrote in its summary of the administration's nominee.
WHITMER SILENT ON MUSLIM MAYOR TELLING RESIDENT HE’S ‘NOT WELCOME’ FOR SLAM ON TERRORIST SYMPATHIZER
Former President Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, speaks as Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib listens at a campaign office in Hamtramck, Mich., Oct. 18, 2024. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)
Rosen and other senators did not seem moved by Ghalib's explanations.
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"That is beyond the pale. I will not be supporting your nomination," Rosen said. "And if you are confirmed — I want you to remember this, sir: You will be an ambassador for the United States of America. And, thus, as ambassador, we must show respect to everyone. We will be watching to see if that happens."
No date has been set for a final vote on Ghalib’s nomination.
Leo Briceno is a politics reporter for the congressional team at Fox News Digital. He was previously a reporter with World Magazine.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/cruz-cannot-support-trumps-kuwait-ambassador-pick-over-muslim-brotherhood-remarks