Two U.S. lawmakers have urged President Donald Trump to take swift action to protect democratic reforms in Lebanon, warning that Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is once again obstructing critical changes and aligning himself with Hezbollah’s remaining political allies.

In a letter addressed to Trump, Congressmen Darin LaHood and Darrell Issa praised recent political developments in Beirut but stressed that entrenched actors inside Lebanon are working to derail hard-won progress.

“Lebanon has achieved significant change that brings hope for a future without the malign influence of Hezbollah,” the lawmakers wrote.

However, they cautioned, “we cannot allow outside forces, malign actors, or bureaucratic stalemates to ruin this once-in-a-generation opportunity for the Lebanese people.”

LaHood and Issa reserved their sharpest criticism for Nabih Berri, accusing the longtime parliamentary speaker of blocking electoral reforms needed ahead of the May 2026 polls.

“Speaker Nabih Berri is once again standing in the way of progress,” the letter said, warning that “any continued delay by him or others to obstruct the democratic process and prevent an open parliamentary session to fairly address election law reform is unacceptable and would represent full alignment with Hezbollah and its political allies.”

They urged Trump to ensure that Washington is ready to “use all the tools available,” including sanctions and freezing of assets held in the United States, against Lebanese figures who hinder reforms designed to weaken Hezbollah’s influence and strengthen state institutions.

The lawmakers voiced strong support for ongoing efforts by the Lebanese Armed Forces to “fully disarm Hezbollah both south and north of the Litani River,” saying such efforts “must continue and have our full support.”

They also called for “substantive reforms to the banking system that meet international standards,” and encouraged the United States to explore renewed discussions on border negotiations between Lebanon and Israel.

A major concern for the congressmen is the electoral law governing the Lebanese diaspora. Under the 2017 system, expatriates were limited to voting for only six out of 128 parliamentary seats. But in the 2018 and 2022 elections, that restriction was suspended, allowing the diaspora to vote for all seats; a move that resulted in strong support for “reform-based, independent candidates.”

Now, they said, Lebanon’s government has formally begun efforts to permanently guarantee full voting rights for expatriates.

However, LaHood and Issa warned that “corrupt political elites and aligned parties are intent on blocking democratic rights and progress,” underscoring the need for international pressure to ensure a fair electoral process.

According to the lawmakers, regional dynamics have made this a decisive moment for Lebanon’s political future.

“Iran’s influence on Lebanon is weakened. Hezbollah continues to lose leaders, foot soldiers, infrastructure, financing, and influence,” they wrote, arguing that Washington must seize the moment.

“This is truly a time for action,” they added, insisting that the U.S. should be prepared to review and sanction “those who continue to hinder democratic processes and reforms in Lebanon.”

Lebanon’s diaspora, they noted, has long sustained the country and “deserves a full and fair voice in elections for parliamentary representation.”

The letter concludes with a direct appeal to Trump: “Given the economic, humanitarian, and national security interests at stake, we request your urgent attention to this matter.”