Mayor Bill Bazzi Appointed U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Dearborn Heights Mayor Bill Bazzi will serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia. Bazzi, a decorated U.S. Marine and former engineer at Ford and Boeing, brings a wealth of experience to the role. This appointment marks the second time in a week that Trump has selected a metro Detroit mayor for an ambassadorship in the Arab world, following the nomination of Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib as ambassador to Kuwait. Trump also nominated a new ambassador to Morocco this week.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted Bazzi’s distinguished career, including his 21 years of military service, collaborations with U.S. diplomats worldwide, and his engineering roles at Ford and Boeing. “Bazzi is a decorated U.S. Marine who honorably served our country for 21 years, collaborating with U.S. Embassy Ambassadors, diplomats, and leaders throughout the world,” Trump wrote. “I look forward to seeing the great things he will accomplish for our nation.”
A Lifetime of Service
Bazzi, 61, immigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon and has dedicated his life to public service. After retiring from the Marines, he worked at Ford Motor Company for 22 years as a product development engineer before taking an early retirement to serve as mayor of Dearborn Heights. He assumed the role in January 2021 following the death of Mayor Dan Paletko and was later elected to a four-year term with 72% of the vote in November of that year.
As mayor, Bazzi has been actively involved in international programs, partnering with the State Department and organizations like the Arab American Institute. In 2023, he participated in a State Department-sponsored trip to Jordan, further solidifying his diplomatic credentials.
A Strong Advocate for Trump
Bazzi has been a vocal supporter of President Trump, endorsing his 2024 presidential campaign and speaking at a Trump rally in Novi, Michigan, in October. During the rally, Bazzi praised Trump’s leadership, stating, “When President Trump was president, it was peace. We didn’t have any issues. There were no wars.”
Trump acknowledged Bazzi’s efforts during the 2024 campaign, crediting him with helping secure the historic victory. “Bazzi worked hard during the 2024 presidential election to help us secure our historic victory, and I look forward to seeing the great things he will accomplish for our nation,” Trump said.
