US Senate approves the appointment of Michel Issa as US ambassador to Lebanon

On October 8, 2025, the United States Senate formally approved the appointment of Lebanese Michel Issa as US ambassador to Lebanon. This comes after President Donald Trump revealed on his Truth Social that he had chosen Issa for the aforementioned position, succeeding Ambassador Lisa A. Johnson, who is a senior member of the U.S. diplomatic corps with the rank of Minister Counselor.

Who is Michel Issa?

Michel Issa is of Lebanese origin from the town of Bsous, Aley in Mount Lebanon. He is a CEO, businessman, and investor with extensive experience in banking and the automotive industry.

Issa began his career in the financial sector, gaining extensive experience as a currency trader and senior foreign exchange trader, which gained him a prominent position in the world of banking. His leadership in this sector was distinguished by his successful design and supervision of an advanced trading floor, earning him recognition in leading financial publications.

However, in 1999, Issa underwent a significant shift in his career path to pursue his passion for cars, thus acquiring Porsche, Audi, and Volkswagen dealerships. His business acumen and banking experience allowed him to build a successful company, generating annual sales of $35 million.

Trump himself presented Issa, on his Truth Social post, as a “prominent businessman, financial expert, and leader with an outstanding career in banking, entrepreneurship, and international trade.”

The Significance of this Appointment

Michel Issa’s appointment is an unprecedented step. Although Washington had previously sent a few special envoys with Lebanese origin to the country, such as Philip Habib and most recently Tom Barrack, it has yet to choose such an ambassador to Lebanon.

As Issa arrives to his home country as a top US diplomat, he will be tasked with a burdening and uneasy mission, amid the immense political and economic crises, especially following the devastating Israel-Hezbollah war. Lebanon’s cabinet and presidency have been keen on resolving the issue of the disarmament of the Iranian-backed group, which has been a deeply dividing and contentious issue throughout the country.

As Hezbollah refuses to give up arms in the north of the Litani River until Israel withdraws from the occupied Lebanese territories in the South, Issa’s diplomatic mission will undoubtedly involve a difficult task that must be accomplished while maintaining security and stability in Lebanon and the region.