University of Michigan Regent Candidate Deletes Hezbollah Praise Posts

Deleted social media activity raises concerns about candidate's views and potential impact on university

Apr. 12, 2026 at 8:57am

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A quiet, cinematic painting of an empty university lecture hall, with a single podium at the front of the room bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the weight of responsibility and the need for inclusive leadership.The deleted social media posts of a University of Michigan regent candidate raise concerns about the need for inclusive leadership and the lasting impact of digital actions.Ann Arbor Today

Attorney Amir Makled, a candidate for the University of Michigan's governing board, found himself in hot water after the Detroit News uncovered deleted social media posts in which he praised Hezbollah, a terrorist organization, and made antisemitic remarks. The discovery of these posts, which Makled later removed, has raised questions about his suitability for a position of influence at the university.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of scrutinizing public figures' digital histories, as their online actions can have significant implications for the institutions they represent. Universities, in particular, should foster environments of inclusivity and tolerance, free from the endorsement of extremist ideologies. Makled's past social media activity could potentially affect the university's reputation and its ability to attract a diverse community of students and faculty.

The details

The Detroit News uncovered deleted posts from Makled's social media account, revealing that he had reposted content praising Hezbollah's former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2024. Makled referred to Nasrallah as a 'martyr', which is deeply problematic as it implies admiration for a figure associated with a group known for its violent activities and extremist ideology. The candidate also made antisemitic remarks in his deleted posts.

  • In 2024, Hezbollah's former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike.
  • In 2026, the deleted social media posts by Amir Makled were discovered by the Detroit News.

The players

Amir Makled

An attorney and a candidate for the University of Michigan's governing board.

Hassan Nasrallah

The former leader of Hezbollah, a terrorist organization designated as such by the U.S. State Department.

University of Michigan

The public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, which is governed by a board of regents.

Detroit News

A daily newspaper serving the Detroit metropolitan area, which uncovered Makled's deleted social media posts.

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What’s next

The University of Michigan community will likely closely examine Makled's suitability for the regent position in light of the deleted social media posts, and the university's reputation and ability to attract a diverse student and faculty body may be impacted by this controversy.

The takeaway

This case serves as a cautionary tale for all public figures, underscoring the need to be mindful of the implications of one's online actions, especially when it comes to endorsing figures or groups associated with violence and hate. The permanence of digital footprints and the potential consequences for institutions and communities must be carefully considered.