By Romy Haber

ACI MENA, November 8, 2024 / 11:55 a.m.

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

However, as with every electoral cycle, electoral promises are transformed into concrete actions or remain unfulfilled. Lebanese Christians, among others, hope for decisions that will promote peace and stability in their country and region.

Here’s what prominent Lebanese Christian politicians are saying about Donald Trump’s re-election.

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

“I extend my congratulations to President @realDonaldTrump on his victory for a second term in the US presidential elections; I am confident that the United States’ unwavering support for Lebanon, its constitutional institutions, its sovereignty, its 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 objectives of the democratic process, which constitutes a decisive factor in change, renewal and continuity of American institutions, especially since we share with the American people the same concepts and values in matters of defence. of a safe, free and independent human being.

Samy Gemayel, MP 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. commitment to 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 this happen.

The Lebanese Forces and the Kataeb party are well known for their tough stance against Hezbollah.

Additionally, these parties have close ties to the United States, a key supporter of the Lebanese armed forces.

Amid growing regional tensions, the Lebanese Forces and Kataeb are working to strengthen cooperation with the United States and the international community to enforce UN resolutions calling for the disarmament of militias and the strengthening of Lebanese army as the sole force responsible for national defense.

Michel Moawad, MP and founder of the Movement for Independence – a sovereignist and reformist party – also extended his mandate. Congratulations to Trump:

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

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

Recently, Moawad announced his candidacy for the Lebanese presidential elections, Lebanon having remained without a president since 2022. He is also the founder of the René Moawad Foundation (RMF), a non-governmental organization active throughout Lebanon with programs funded by international partners, including the United States Agency for International Action. Development (USAID).

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Gebran Bassil, leader of the Free Patriotic Movement (CPL), also felicity Trump, regaling Trump’s letter to Lebanese Americans regarding Lebanon’s security as a valuable opportunity for the country.

The FPM is known for its complex relationship with Hezbollah, a link solidified by Mar Mikhaël Agreement in 2006, which had a significant impact on its relations with the United States. In 2020, the Trump administration imposed sanctions on Bassil, citing allegations of corruption and ties to Hezbollah. Last month, Bassil announcement the end of the FPM’s tenuous alliance with Hezbollah, although the move may be seen by the United States as too little, too late.

In a recent interview with MTV Lebanon, independent MP and businessman Neemat Frem expressed optimism about a potential change in US policy towards Lebanon following Trump’s election. He underlined the central role of Massad BoulosLebanese businessman and father-in-law of Tiffany Trump, in this context. Frem said:

“I send my greetings to Massad Boulos, who will have a great responsibility due to his proximity to Trump. He will play a fundamental role in providing the US administration with an accurate understanding of the complexity of the situation in Lebanon, as someone familiar with the reality and not as an outside observer.”

Boulos would not be the first Lebanese Christian to work closely with the Trump administration.

Darrell Issa was appointed by Trump in 2018 to lead the US Trade and Development Agency. Rep. Darin LaHood of Illinois, also of Lebanese descent, was a active member of the US-Lebanon Friendship Caucus. And Alex Azar, who served as Secretary of Health and Human Services from 2018 to 2021, is also of Lebanese origin.

Plus, recent photos of US Vice President-elect JD Vance to visit a Maronite church quickly went viral on Lebanese social media, sparking many positive reactions.

Expectations are high among Lebanon’s Christian leaders, and the Trump administration faces a daunting task to meet them. Trump has promised peace, but like the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, sharp but he has yet to provide a concrete plan to achieve this. The cardinal warned that Trump had no “magic wand”: ending conflict requires humility, true will and a commitment to the interests of humanity as a whole.

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

Romy Haber is a Lebanese journalist and researcher with a degree in journalism and postgraduate in international security, specializing in minority affairs in the Middle East.