Sajid Tarar, a Pakistani American entrepreneur, political activist, and philanthropist, became a well-known figure in American politics after openly supporting President Donald Trump. Tarar rose to national prominence as the founder of American Muslims for Trump, where he advocated for conservative views within the Muslim-American community, sparking debate and controversy. 

Beyond politics, he has made important contributions to charity and social work, particularly in community development and social services. Recently, the Washington Adventist University recognized his efforts in social services and awarded him an honorary PhD degree (Doctorate of Humane Letters).

Early life and entry into politics

Tarar was born in Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan, and later came to the United States, where he studied law at the University of Baltimore. His early career focused on entrepreneurship and social service, particularly through the Center for Social Change, a non-profit organization he runs.

Tarar's political involvement became well-known during the 2016 presidential campaign, when he founded American Muslims for Trump, a group dedicated to gathering Muslim support for the Republican candidate. His support for Trump's policies, despite the administration's harsh rhetoric on Muslim immigration, distinguished him as a divisive figure in the Muslim-American community.

Role in 2016 presidential campaign

Tarar earned national attention after he gave an Islamic benediction at the 2016 Republican National Convention (RNC). His prayer elicited varied reactions, including interruptions from attendees skeptical about Muslim representation at a Trump-hosted gathering. Nonetheless, Tarar stood firm in his support, citing national security concerns as justification for Trump's proposed travel bans and tough immigration rules.

During the campaign, Tarar contended that Trump's ideas were not anti-Muslim, but rather focused on addressing security concerns. He emphasized economic possibilities and conservative beliefs, which he hoped would appeal to a segment of Muslim-American voters. However, his stance drew widespread criticism from Muslim advocacy organizations, which saw Trump's plans as discriminatory.

Lobbying Muslim support for Trump

Following Trump's election, Tarar continued to support his administration's initiatives. He often appears on TV shows and social media platforms to defend the administration's positions on immigration, foreign policy, and counterterrorism measures. He argues that Trump's leadership helps American Muslims by promoting economic growth and conservative social views.

Tarar remained engaged in Republican circles as the 2020 and 2024 presidential election approached, claiming that Muslim support for Trump had increased as a result of economic performance and a shift in voter priorities. He says that Muslim entrepreneurs and business owners praise the administration's tax policies and deregulation measures.

Tarar has spoken about South Asian geopolitics in addition to American politics. He has been outspoken on US-Pakistan relations. His comments on South Asian matters have elicited reactions from both Pakistani and Indian media.

Philanthropy and community service

Tarar is active in philanthropy and social service in addition to politics. As CEO of the Center for Social Change, he has worked to enhance the lives of people with disabilities by providing necessary services and advocating for their well-being. His organization focuses on providing housing, career opportunities, and quality care to those in need.

Tarar has also donated to a variety of community programs, including those that offer food, education, and healthcare to underserved communities. His actions extend beyond the United States, as he has taken part in humanitarian initiatives that aid people in Pakistan, particularly those impacted by poverty and natural catastrophes.

Tarar's philanthropic efforts indicate a dedication to social responsibility, as he balances political campaigning with genuine societal contributions. His work continues to have an impact on both the American and foreign populations, reinforcing his commitment to service and community development.

Influencing Muslim political engagement

Tarar is a divisive figure in American politics, particularly among Muslims. While his support for Trump defied traditional political alignments, it also sparked debate about the diversity of political thought among Muslim Americans. His rise from Pakistani immigrant to political influencer in Republican circles highlights the intricacies of identity, philosophy, and political allegiance in modern America.

Despite criticism, Tarar remains an important figure in American conservative politics, influencing debate on Muslim engagement within the Republican Party. Whether his efforts result in a long-term realignment of Muslim-American voters is debatable, but his impact on the political scene is evident.

(The author is a Virginia-based Pakistani American technologist pursuing his Ph.D. in artificial intelligence (AI). He is the founder and CEO of DeepTech Ventures. Views expressed are personal. He can be reached at khurampk@gmail.com)