President Donald Trump has stirred controversy by appointing two individuals with previous ties to Islamic jihadist activities and Lashkar-e-Taiba to the White House Advisory Board. Reports suggest that both individuals had traveled to Pakistan for training at an Islamist terror camp and served a 20-year prison sentence in the United States for jihadist-related offenses. The news was first reported by journalist Laura Loomer on X (formerly Twitter). Ismail Royer, formerly known as Randall Royer, is one of the individuals who trained in an Islamic terror camp in Pakistan. This raises questions about Trump's motives for these appointments.

The two controversial figures appointed by Trump are Ismail Royer, a convicted Islamic extremist, and Shaykh Hamza Yusuf, a previously contentious personality.

Experts speculate that Trump's team values the insights of Royer and Yusuf due to their firsthand experience with extremist groups. The administration may aim to leverage their knowledge in combating terrorism. Trump and his advisors might believe that Royer, who has distanced himself from jihadism after prison, could provide valuable perspectives on groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba. Furthermore, the U.S. may be looking to engage with moderate Muslim communities and counter radical ideologies, with Yusuf's role as a religious scholar being pivotal. This strategy aligns with Trump's recent diplomatic efforts, such as negotiating with Hamas for hostage releases in Gaza, indicating a pragmatic approach to adversaries. However, no official confirmation has been provided regarding these intentions.

Trump's second term has emphasized combating anti-Semitism and altering U.S. policy in the Middle East. Appointing individuals associated with Hamas and Lashkar-e-Taiba could be a strategic move to involve key players in conflicts like Israel-Palestine and India-Pakistan, potentially reshaping U.S. diplomacy. However, this decision appears to contradict Trump's strong support for Israel and his recent discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. While these appointments reflect Trump's tendency to make unexpected choices, they could lead to significant challenges in international relations, particularly with crucial allies such as India and Israel.

In 2003, Royer faced indictment on terrorism-related charges, including conspiracy to wage war against the United States and providing material support to al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba. An American convert to Islam, he pleaded guilty in 2004 to aiding and abetting the use of firearms and explosives, resulting in a 20-year sentence, of which he served 13 years. His past reportedly includes propaganda efforts, involvement in attacks against Indian forces in Kashmir, and alleged connections to the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Hamza Yusuf is a co-founder of Zaytuna College, an institution focused on Islamic law. Over the years, he has faced scrutiny for allegedly downplaying the concept of jihad and for potential ties to groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas. Just before the 9/11 attacks, he spoke at an event supporting Jamil al-Amin, who was later convicted of murdering a police officer. Yusuf has criticized the U.S. for perceived racism and suggested that al-Amin was wrongfully convicted, raising questions about the fairness of the trial of Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, who was convicted for bombings in New York during the 1990s. These factors have contributed to Yusuf's controversial status.