Donald Trump has nominated Michel Issa for U.S. ambassador to Lebanon, highlighting his business acumen and ties to Trump. Issa is a Lebanese American and a former banking executive turned car dealership owner. If confirmed, he will tackle Lebanon’s intricate political issues and must first secure Senate approval amid Democratic opposition.
President Donald Trump has nominated Michel Issa as the next U.S. ambassador to Lebanon. Trump characterized Issa as “an outstanding businessman, a financial expert, and a leader with a remarkable career in Banking, Entrepreneurship, and International Trade.” Issa is a Lebanese American, originally from a town north of Beirut, and is known to be a golfing companion of Trump, as reported by L’Orient Today.
Issa’s professional background includes studying economics in Paris and working at various banks, including the Union of Arab and French Banks. In 1999, he transitioned from banking to focus on his automotive interests, acquiring dealerships for Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen. However, his diplomatic experience remains unclear.
Before assuming the ambassadorship, Issa must be confirmed by the Senate, which could be a challenge given the Democratic party’s current “blanket hold” on Trump’s State Department nominees due to significant cuts to foreign aid programs. Should he be confirmed, Issa will face a complex political landscape in Lebanon, which is emerging from a prolonged political crisis that has hindered the formation of a government.
Additionally, tensions persist with an uneasy truce between Israel and Hezbollah, further complicating Lebanon’s future. Issa would succeed Lisa Johnson, who has served in this ambassadorial role since 2023, after holding previous positions in Namibia and the Bahamas, and leading Middle East affairs at the National Security Council.
Michel Issa’s nomination by President Trump reflects his extensive business background and close personal ties to the President. His confirmation as ambassador will be pivotal as he navigates Lebanon’s complex political climate and ongoing tensions with neighboring Israel and Hezbollah. The Senate’s approval remains uncertain, especially amidst Democratic opposition to Trump’s nominee slate.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
