Former President Donald Trump has organized US flights to evacuate American citizens from Lebanon as violence escalates in the region, with the first mission airlifting over 300 people, his team announced.
Evacuation Details
The operation, coordinated by Trump’s team in collaboration with private aviation partners, departed from Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport on Monday. According to a statement from Trump’s office, the flight carried 312 US citizens, including families, elderly individuals, and medical cases.
“We are getting Americans out of harm’s way because the current administration has failed to act,” the statement said, attributing the quote to a Trump spokesperson. The evacuation comes as fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah intensifies, with the US State Department urging Americans to leave commercial flights available.
Political Context
The move highlights Trump’s continued involvement in foreign affairs while out of office, as he seeks to contrast his approach with President Joe Biden’s handling of the crisis. Critics argue the operation bypasses official State Department channels, but Trump’s team insists it is a necessary humanitarian effort.
“We have a moral obligation to bring our people home,” the spokesperson added. The State Department has not commented on the private evacuation, but a senior official told Reuters that the US government is working to expand commercial options for Americans.
Impact and Next Steps
Additional flights are planned in the coming days, with Trump’s team saying they aim to evacuate all Americans who wish to leave. The conflict has already displaced thousands in Lebanon, with the US embassy in Beirut advising citizens to shelter in place.
