Trump’s return: Lebanese Christian politicians eye peace, security, and U.S. support

ACI MENA, Nov 8, 2024 / 11:55 am (CNA).

It’s no secret that U.S. politics have far-reaching effects beyond their borders, significantly shaping other parts of the world, including the Middle East. In Lebanon, where tensions and uncertainties persist, many see the U.S. elections as a possible catalyst for meaningful change.

Yet, as it is with every election cycle, campaign promises either evolve into real action or remain unfulfilled. Lebanese Christians, among others, hope for decisions that will foster peace and stability in their country and region.

Here’s what leading Lebanese Christian politicians are saying about Donald Trump’s reelection.

Samir Geagea, the leader of Lebanon’s largest Christian party, extended his congratulations in a message on X (formerly Twitter):

“I extend my congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his victory for a second term in the U.S. presidential elections; I am confident that the steadfast U.S. support for Lebanon, its constitutional institutions, its sovereignty, independence, and the establishment of its effective state will continue as we have known it. I also congratulate the American people for their commitment to the goals of the democratic process, which serves as the decisive factor in change, renewal, and the continuity of American institutions, especially since we share with the American people the same concepts and values in defense of a safe, free, and independent human being.”

Samy Gemayel, a member of Parliament and leader of the Kataeb Party — one of Lebanon’s oldest political groups — also shared a message on X, emphasizing that Lebanon deserves peace: 

“Congratulations, President @realDonaldTrump, on your election and remarkable comeback. We look forward to renewed U.S. engagement with Lebanon and support for its sovereignty. As you mentioned in your letter to the Lebanese American community, Lebanon deserves peace. It’s time to make it happen.”

Both the Lebanese Forces and the Kataeb Party are well known for their firm stance against Hezbollah. 

Additionally, these parties maintain strong ties with the U.S., a key supporter of the Lebanese Armed Forces. 

Amid rising regional tensions, the Lebanese Forces and Kataeb are working to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. and the international community to enforce U.N. resolutions calling for the disarmament of militias and the empowerment of the Lebanese Army as the sole force responsible for national defense.

Michel Moawad, a member of Parliament and founder of the Independence Movement — a sovereigntist, reform-oriented party — also extended his congratulations to Trump: 

“Heartfelt congratulations to President Trump @realDonaldTrump and Vice President Vance @JDVance on this well-deserved victory. We look forward to strengthening the bonds between our nations and working together for a sovereign and reformed Lebanon that embraces its rightful place within a peaceful Middle East.”

Mouawad is the son of former Lebanese President René Moawad, who was assassinated in 1989. 

Recently, Moawad announced his candidacy for the Lebanese presidential elections, as Lebanon has remained without a president since 2022. He is also the founder of the René Moawad Foundation (RMF), a nongovernmental organization active across Lebanon with programs funded by international partners, particularly the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 

Gebran Bassil, head of the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), also congratulated Trump, regaling Trump’s letter to Lebanese Americans concerning Lebanon’s security as a valuable opportunity for the country. 

The FPM is known for its complex relationship with Hezbollah, a bond solidified by the Mar Mikhael Agreement in 2006, which has significantly impacted its relations with the United States. In 2020, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Bassil, citing allegations of corruption and ties with Hezbollah. Last month, Bassil announced the end of the FPM’s tenuous alliance with Hezbollah, though this move may be seen by the United States as too little, too late.

In a recent interview with MTV Lebanon, independent member of Parliament and businessman Neemat Frem expressed optimism about a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Lebanon following Trump’s election. He highlighted the pivotal role of Massad Boulos, a Lebanese businessman and father-in-law to Tiffany Trump, in this context. Frem stated: 

“I extend my greetings to Massad Boulos, who will have a great responsibility due to his closeness to Trump. He will play a fundamental role in providing the U.S. administration with an accurate understanding of the complexities of the situation in Lebanon, as a person familiar with the reality and not as an external observer.” 

Boulos wouldn’t be the first Lebanese Christian to work closely with the Trump administration. 

Darrell Issa was nominated by Trump in 2018 to lead the U.S. Trade and Development Agency. Congressman Darin LaHood of Illinois, also of Lebanese descent, has been an active member of the U.S.-Lebanon Friendship Caucus. And Alex Azar, who served as Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2018 to 2021, is also of Lebanese descent. 

Moreover, recent photos of U.S. Vice President-elect JD Vance visiting a Maronite church quickly went viral on Lebanese social media, sparking widespread positive reactions.

Expectations are high among Lebanese Christian leaders, and the Trump administration faces substantial work ahead to meet them. Trump has promised peace, but as the Holy See’s secretary of state, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, pointed out, he has yet to provide a concrete plan to achieve it. The cardinal cautioned that Trump does not have a “magic wand” —  bringing an end to conflict requires humility, genuine willingness, and a commitment to the interests of humanity as a whole.

This story was first published by ACI Mena, CNA’s Arabic-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

Source: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/260347/trump-s-return-lebanese-christian-politicians-eye-peace-security-and-us-support