Lebanon President Aoun Meets Trump at White House on Hezbollah

Zeina Khodr reports from Beirut that Lebanon’s President, Michel Aoun, has just met with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. The meeting, held at the White House on Tuesday, marked the first time a Lebanese head of state has spoken directly with a U.S. president in several years.

During the discussion, the two leaders focused on Lebanon’s dire economic crisis, the stalled political process, and the urgent need for international financial assistance. President Aoun urged the United States to increase aid and support for Lebanon’s reconstruction, while Trump emphasized the importance of a stable, democratic government in the region. Both parties also touched on broader regional security concerns, including the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

The encounter signals a potential shift in U.S. engagement with Lebanon, though the path to substantive aid and political reform remains complex. The meeting underscores the continued international interest in Lebanon’s recovery and the role of diplomatic outreach in addressing the country’s challenges.