Lebanon's New Government Formation: Reducing Hezbollah's Influence and Combating Corruption is Crucial – President Donald Trump

Lebanon's New Government Formation: Reducing Hezbollah's Influence and Combating Corruption is Crucial – President Donald Trump

Beirut — February 6, 2025 — President Donald Trump's envoy is ready to deliver a stern message to Lebanon's leaders: the U.S. will not tolerate the influence of Hezbollah and its allies in the formation of a new government. According to sources from the U.S. administration, a Western diplomat, and regional government sources, Lebanon must take decisive steps to reform and fight corruption to avoid falling into economic disaster and international isolation.

U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus, Special Advisor for the Middle East, will meet with Lebanon's newly-elected President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

Three weeks ago, Salam was tasked with forming a government, where senior positions are traditionally allocated among Lebanon's sectarian communities. However, the U.S. aims to limit Hezbollah's influence, especially in light of the group's weakened position following its war with Israel last year.

A senior U.S. administration official said, "It is extremely important for us to set the tone for how the structure of a new Lebanon should look," but stressed that they are not selecting individual cabinet members. Instead, they are ensuring that Hezbollah will not be part of the government.