On January 20, 2025, as President Donald Trump takes the oath of office for his second term, a radical Shia cleric, Husham Al-Husainy, will take center stage as one of the speakers. Al-Husainy, the imam of the Karbalaa Islamic Educational Center in Dearborn, Michigan, has become a controversial figure, particularly for his outspoken anti-Semitic views and pro-Hezbollah sympathies.
This decision to invite Al-Husainy has raised eyebrows across the political and religious spectrum. Many wonder how a man with such a history of extremism could be selected for such a prominent occasion. President Trump’s inauguration, a key moment in the political landscape of the United States, is typically an event meant to unite the nation, not deepen its divisions. However, Al-Husainy’s background suggests otherwise, leaving many to question the motivations behind his invitation.
Al-Husainy’s controversial beliefs are rooted in a radical Shia interpretation of Islam. He has openly voiced his admiration for Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia militant group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, Canada, and several other countries. Hezbollah has long been involved in various violent and terroristic activities, including the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, and Al-Husainy’s public support for the group only strengthens his ties to extremist ideology.
Moreover, Al-Husainy has made several statements over the years that are both deeply anti-Semitic and inflammatory. In one notable incident, he praised Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and suggested that the group’s actions against Israel were justified, aligning himself with those who advocate for the destruction of the Jewish state. Such rhetoric, which echoes the beliefs of groups like Hamas and Iran’s Supreme Leader, has long been a cause for concern.
Al-Husainy’s anti-Semitism is not just a passing sentiment but a deeply held ideology. He has frequently expressed disdain for Jews, blaming them for global conflicts and portraying them as the enemy of Islam. His comments about Jewish influence in world politics and media have sparked outrage, particularly among Jewish communities in the United States. In one infamous sermon, he equated Zionism with a form of evil that must be eradicated, a sentiment that fits neatly into the anti-Semitic conspiracy theories that have long plagued the Muslim world.
It is worth noting that anti-Semitism is not limited to any one sect of Islam, but Al-Husainy’s vocal support for Hezbollah, a group known for its anti-Israel stance, and his regular espousal of anti-Jewish rhetoric, put him in alignment with some of the most extreme factions within the Middle East.
The decision to invite Al-Husainy to President Trump’s inauguration is startling for several reasons. First and foremost, it seems to stand in stark contrast to the values of tolerance and inclusivity that the United States strives to uphold. The inauguration of an American president is an occasion that transcends political and religious divisions, meant to showcase unity and the peaceful transfer of power. However, Al-Husainy’s extremist views represent the very antithesis of these values.
Secondly, Trump’s ties to extremist figures and groups have long been a point of contention. His administration has faced widespread criticism for its handling of relationships with radical actors, both domestically and internationally. By inviting Al-Husainy, Trump appears to further align himself with controversial individuals whose actions are widely seen as divisive and destructive.
The decision to feature Al-Husainy at such a high-profile event could have far-reaching consequences. It risks inflaming existing divisions within the United States, particularly between religious and ethnic communities. It may also serve to embolden extremist elements within the Shia Muslim community, especially those who support groups like Hezbollah and espouse anti-Semitic views.
For Jewish communities in the U.S., Al-Husainy’s appearance at the inauguration will likely be seen as a deeply troubling endorsement of anti-Semitic rhetoric. The question remains whether the invitation will prompt greater scrutiny of Trump’s ties to extremist figures or simply serve as another flashpoint in an increasingly polarized political landscape.
The invitation of Husham Al-Husainy to speak at President Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025, is a highly controversial decision that raises significant questions about the president’s judgment and the values he wishes to project during his second term. Al-Husainy’s history of anti-Semitism and support for radical groups like Hezbollah paints a disturbing picture of the direction in which Trump’s administration may be heading. As the inauguration approaches, the decision to include such a figure will continue to stir debate, potentially further dividing the nation at a time when unity is sorely needed.
