In a recent letter addressed to President Donald J. Trump, Congress members Darin LaHood and Darrell Issa, co-chairs of the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus, conveyed their enthusiasm for collaborating with the Trump Administration to foster a stronger partnership between the United States and Lebanon.

The letter, dated January 2025, reflects the members’ pride in representing active Lebanese American communities within their districts and their commitment to supporting stability in Lebanon.

Both LaHood and Issa emphasized their longstanding efforts in Congress to support Lebanon’s democratic values, security, and prosperity.

They underscored the importance of U.S. assistance in Lebanon, particularly in areas such as stabilizing the Lebanese Armed Forces and combating Hezbollah’s influence, as well as curbing Iran’s malign activities in the region.

The letter highlighted a momentous shift in Lebanon's political landscape, as the country recently elected a new President, Joseph Aoun, and selected a new Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, filling a two-year political void.

LaHood and Issa noted their optimism surrounding President Aoun's inaugural speech, which stressed the need for building a nation governed by the rule of law, free from corruption, and independent of sectarian favoritism.

According to the Congress members, Lebanon’s political elite had long contributed to the country’s economic collapse, banking crisis, and humanitarian disaster.

They further stated that Lebanon's new government must remain steadfast in its commitment to democratic principles and garner the trust of both the Lebanese people and the international community under U.S. leadership.

In their letter, LaHood and Issa emphasized that any U.S. financial or reconstruction aid should be contingent on Lebanon’s commitment to several key policies. These include ensuring that no members of Hezbollah or its political proxies hold positions in the new government.

They argued that Hezbollah’s involvement would undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and hinder the country’s path toward independence under its newly elected President.

Additionally, the Congress members called for a more balanced representation within Lebanon's government, prioritizing the needs of the Lebanese people over the influence of political elites.

They also reiterated the importance of a peaceful resolution to the longstanding border dispute between Lebanon and Israel, advocating for compliance with existing United Nations resolutions or alternative negotiation efforts.

In closing, LaHood and Issa expressed optimism about Lebanon’s future under its new leadership.

They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting President Trump’s administration in its efforts to strengthen ties with Lebanon and ensure the country’s stability and prosperity.

They further expressed support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and pledged to continue their work in Congress to promote U.S. leadership in the Middle East.

The letter was sent to several key officials, including Senators Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, as well as high-ranking members of the Trump Administration, including Secretary of State Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus, and National Security Advisor Massad Boulos.