Michel Issa, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, formally presented his credentials to President Joseph Aoun at the Presidential Palace on Monday. 

Issa received full ceremonial honors during the meeting and conveyed greetings from U.S. President Donald Trump, underscoring Washington’s commitment to strengthening and expanding bilateral ties across all sectors.

President Aoun welcomed the ambassador and wished him success in his mission.

Earlier, Issa met with Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji at the Foreign Ministry, where he submitted a copy of his credentials.

Born in Beirut, Issa spent his early childhood in Lebanon before moving to Paris, France. He holds an associate degree (DEUG: Diplôme d’Études Universitaires Générales) in economics from the University of Paris X Nanterre and an advanced diploma in banking from the Cours d’Études Supérieures de Banques in Paris.

Before his diplomatic appointment, Issa had a long career in banking, working for two decades in New York and Paris as a currency trader, trading floor manager, and leader in credit and compliance. He later transitioned to the automobile industry, ultimately serving as President and CEO of Newton Investment Group LLC in New Jersey.