U.S. President Donald Trump greets President Joseph Aoun at the entrance to the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 21, 2026. (Credit: Saul Loeb/AFP)
BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun received a message from U.S. President Donald Trump "expressing his pleasure at welcoming President Aoun to the White House on July 21 and his admiration for Aoun’s leadership of Lebanon at this stage," according to a statement released by the Lebanese Presidency on X on Monday.
"It was an honor to welcome you to the White House for a truly historic visit, the first by a Lebanese head of state in nearly two decades. At a time when the Middle East is experiencing conflict, I admire your decisive leadership on behalf of Lebanon and its people," Trump's message reads according to the Lebanese Presidency.
Trump thanked Aoun for awarding him the National Order of the Cedar, Grand Cordon, saying: "This initiative is an exceptional honor and embodies the proud Lebanese spirit. I will cherish this gesture as a symbol of our shared commitment to peace, security, and prosperity around the world."
Trump added that First Lady Melania Trump joins him in extending their best wishes to President Aoun, First Lady Neemat Aoun, and their family.
During a press conference held with Aoun during the latter's visit to Washington in July, Trump promised to help Lebanon. “It’s been a very badly treated place and country, and we’re going to have it properly treated and treated with respect that it deserves,” Trump said.
During the visit, the U.S. President also announced the lifting of the the restriction on direct flights between the two countries that was imposed in 1985 during the Civil War following the hijacking of a U.S. passenger plane by suspected Hezbollah militants.
However, two months after this visit, Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue to escalate and the Israeli army still occupies dozens of villages in southern Lebanon.
Moreover, the negotiations between Lebanon and Israel have not made any progress since early August.
