Who Really Runs America? The Israel Lobby, Trump and the Muslim Vote
We sat down with political analyst Sami Hamdi to unpack the complex dynamics between the United States, Israel and the Muslim world. With elections on the horizon and global shifts in public opinion, the conversation focused on the power struggle within American politics, the unpredictability of Donald Trump, and how Muslims can leverage their political influence for real change.
The Illusion of American Sovereignty
Sami Hamdi was clear: American politics is not dictated by the will of its people but by the influence of powerful donors. He pointed out how Netanyahu, despite facing genocide charges at the ICC, received standing ovations in the US Congress. This, he argued, was less about support for Netanyahu himself and more about US politicians maintaining their ties with the pro-Israel lobby.
While many assume the US fully backs Israel’s actions, Hamdi suggested that Washington’s primary concern is not the genocide itself but the political and public backlash it generates. He explained that the US would rather see Netanyahu removed to shift blame onto him and continue its broader geopolitical agenda without disruption.
Is Trump Worse for Muslims?
With Trump making headlines again, the question arises: is he worse for Muslims than the Democrats? Hamdi challenged the assumption that one party is better than the other. While Trump’s rhetoric is openly hostile towards Muslims, the Democrats have actively facilitated the massacre of over 180,000 Palestinians, all while expecting unwavering Muslim support.
He noted that Trump, despite his strongman persona, was arguably the most anti-war president in recent history, frequently questioning US military interventions. His unpredictability makes it difficult to determine how a second Trump presidency would affect Muslims, both domestically and internationally. However, Hamdi cautioned against viewing Biden or any Democrat as a lesser evil, arguing that their policies have enabled ongoing oppression.
The Shifting Narrative Within the Republican Party
Interestingly, cracks are beginning to form within the traditionally pro-Israel Republican Party. High-profile figures like Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens have openly criticised US funding of Israel, while others within the right-wing media space have pushed back against redefining anti-Semitism to suppress criticism of Israeli policies.
Hamdi suggested that while a Trump presidency may maintain strong ties with Israel, internal divisions within the Republican base could create opportunities to challenge the status quo. However, he warned against assuming that any US president, Democrat or Republican, would prioritise justice for Palestine over American strategic interests.
The Power of the Muslim Vote
One of the most powerful takeaways from our discussion was the effectiveness of the Muslim vote in Western democracies. The UK elections proved that the Muslim community, along with anti-genocide voters, could significantly impact major political parties. Safe seats turned marginal, shadow cabinet members lost their positions, and Labour was forced to reassess its stance on Palestine.
Hamdi argued that in countries like Australia, where proportional representation plays a role, independent candidates could become kingmakers. He pointed to the influence of Fatima Payman and how her resignation shook the political landscape, showing that Muslims and justice-driven Australians together have the power to deny any party a majority if they remain organised and strategic.
A Political Awakening
As public opinion shifts against Israel’s actions, Hamdi emphasised that Muslims must move beyond passive political participation. Whether through protest votes, independent candidates, or working within major parties to push for change, the Muslim vote is now a force that cannot be ignored.
The key takeaway? No politician is coming to save us. It is up to us to organise, strategise, and demand justice—because when we do, even the most powerful political machines start to tremble.