Dear John,

We’re excited to share an important new initiative that MPAC is launching to hold government appointees accountable for their actions and words, particularly as they relate to issues that deeply affect American Muslims and other vulnerable communities.


Project Overview


As part of MPAC’s First 100 Days Campaign, we are launching an initiative to monitor and assess the nominations and appointments made by President-elect Donald Trump.

During the 2024 presidential election President Trump increased his support amongst minority communities with the expectation that he would protect their interests and ensure their safety. These constituents deserve leaders who prioritize their well-being and uphold their rights.

The U.S. presidential appointments process plays a crucial role in shaping policies that impact national security, civil rights, immigration, and the lives of American Muslims. However, some appointees hold views or make statements that can harm these marginalized communities, and many of their actions go unchecked.

MPAC is committed to ensuring that these views are tracked, analyzed, and brought to light through a comprehensive new project: Tracking and Transparency: Monitoring the Impact of Government Appointees on American Muslims

Through this project, we’ll develop a robust digital platform that monitors and tracks the behavior, views, and public statements of presidential appointees, focusing on issues related to immigration, national security, civil rights, and the treatment of American Muslims. This platform will empower you to stay informed and take action.


What We’re Doing:

  • Tracking and Monitoring: We will track the public statements, votes, executive orders, and other actions taken by key appointees.

  • Policy Analysis: Our team will assess how these actions affect marginalized communities and provide actionable recommendations.

  • Legal Framework: We will work to ensure legal accountability for harmful policies, including supporting litigation and advocacy for stronger oversight of appointees.

  • Advocacy and Awareness: Through public campaigns, we will inform and engage lawmakers, civil rights organizations, and the broader public to drive change.


How You Can Get Involved


This is a long-term project, and we need your support to make it a success. Here’s how you can help:

  • Stay informed by signing up for updates and alerts about key appointees’ actions.

  • Share our work by talking about the project with your networks and encouraging others to join our efforts.

  • Support MPAC by donating to ensure this important project continues to grow and reach those who need it most.

Together, we can build a system of transparency and accountability that ensures all Americans are treated fairly and with dignity.


Here’s a glimpse into some of the most egregious nominations in our first profile, on Pete Hegseth, an appointee for the role of Secretary at the Department of Defense:

“Pete Hegseth, nominee for Secretary of Defense, poses a serious threat to American Muslims due to his history of Islamophobic rhetoric and actions. From shouting “Kill all Muslims!” during a 2015 work trip to advocating for the pardon of a Navy SEAL convicted of war crimes against Muslims, Hegseth has repeatedly demonstrated deep-seated bias. His book American Crusade frames Islam as an enemy of the West and calls for a new “crusade.”

As Defense Secretary, Hegseth would oversee thousands of Muslim service members and one of the nation’s most diverse institutions. His appointment raises serious concerns, particularly as his anti-Muslim actions have faced minimal scrutiny compared to other controversies. This neglect risks normalizing bigotry in leadership and underscores the need for greater accountability.

However, his anti-Muslim remarks and actions, which have far-reaching implications for the safety and dignity of American Muslims, have not received the scrutiny they warrant. This disparity in coverage sends a dangerous message, implicitly suggesting that Islamophobia is a lesser offense and allowing individuals in positions of power to feel emboldened in their bigotry.”

Click here to read the full profile.

We firmly believe that confirming Pete Hegseth’s nomination without a full retraction and explanation of his anti-Muslim remarks would be both irresponsible and a disservice to the legacy of American Muslims who have bravely fought and sacrificed for our nation since the Revolutionary War.


Thank you for your continued support.


In service,

Iman Ali
Director of Government Affairs

Author's Picture

Follow us.