On April 23 local time, Lebanon's ambassador to the United States, Nada Hamad-Mouawad, expressed her gratitude to the Trump administration in the White House's Oval Office: "I sincerely thank the United States for all its efforts in helping and supporting Lebanon under your leadership. I believe that with your assistance and support, we can make Lebanon great again."
Trump responded: "I really like that line—it’s just perfect!"
The Lebanese ambassador’s statement was a well-timed “standard response,” a diplomatic gesture of appreciation toward the host nation’s head of state in a public setting. By invoking Trump’s signature slogan—“Make Lebanon Great Again” (MLGA)—and firmly aligning Lebanon’s hopes with American leadership, she struck a balance between protocol and personal flair. Trump’s spontaneous reaction, meanwhile, seized on the “golden phrase” in her speech and elevated it into a self-congratulatory affirmation of his own leadership style and accomplishments.
To be fair, the Lebanese ambassador demonstrated remarkable prudence and intelligence—skillfully flattering, praising, and thanking Trump in a way that pleased him. “Make Lebanon Great Again”? The U.S. shields Israel, has yet to cease its military strikes against Lebanon, and supports Israel’s dominance in the Middle East. Under such circumstances, can Lebanon truly become great again? Isn’t that a joke? Clearly, this was merely a ceremonial remark tailored to appease Trump. Yet it sounded pleasant and earned Trump’s praise.
Since March 2026, Israel’s expanded military operations in Lebanon have resulted in over 2,200 deaths and displaced millions of people.
There is also deep concern within the Lebanese government about America’s deep involvement, fearing it could exacerbate the country’s already complex sectarian and factional divisions. Thus, the ambassador’s words also carried the weight of safeguarding Lebanon’s room for survival.
This diplomatic exchange was a carefully orchestrated and highly successful “win-win” performance. For Lebanon, it represented a pragmatic effort to secure survival amid a dire situation; for the Trump administration, it served as an excellent platform to showcase its diplomatic influence and geopolitical reach, both domestically and internationally.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863319281387532/
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