US President Donald Trump met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House on Tuesday, pledging significant support to Lebanon amid efforts to stabilize the country and address ongoing security challenges. The meeting marked the first time in nearly two decades that a Lebanese head of state was invited to Washington, underscoring the strategic importance of Lebanon in the region.
During their talks, President Aoun emphasized the need for continued American assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), which he described as the "backbone of security and stability" in Lebanon. Aoun, a former commander of the US-supported Lebanese army before becoming president last year, highlighted the role of the military in efforts to extend state authority to southern Lebanon, an area involved in heightened tensions due to the presence of Hezbollah and Israeli forces.
Trump acknowledged Lebanon’s troubled history, calling it a "very mistreated country" that has endured decades of hardship. He noted the country’s complex security situation, referring explicitly to the challenge posed by Hezbollah. The US president expressed his administration’s intention to help Lebanon "a lot," affirming Washington's commitment to supporting the Lebanese military and its broader goals for stability and peace.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of an ongoing agreement between Lebanon and Israel, under US auspices, aimed at empowering the Lebanese army to deploy in southern Lebanese territory. This initiative is seen as a step toward disarming Hezbollah and securing Israel’s withdrawal from occupied areas. President Aoun conveyed the urgency of these efforts, cautioning that without robust support for the LAF, Lebanon risks a return to the instability reminiscent of the 1970s civil war.
Both leaders recognized the delicate nature of Lebanon’s security landscape, where thousands of displaced civilians remain in the south following Israeli military operations. Aoun’s visit was part of an effort to garner international backing and to demonstrate Lebanon’s commitment to a peaceful resolution with Israel.
While Trump’s remarks focused on the need to address what he termed the "Hezbollah problem," Aoun sought to present a united Lebanese front relying on the strength of the national military as a means to restore order and sovereignty. The US reiterated its support for Lebanon’s armed forces and a political framework that aims to balance regional security concerns with Lebanon’s internal stability.
The dialogue between the two leaders reflects ongoing US engagement in Lebanon, attempting to navigate the complexities of regional politics while bolstering institutions seen as essential to peace and security.