Libya's foreign ministry protests Trump’s remarks calling the country a terror haven
Libya’s foreign ministry summoned the U.S. chargé d'affaires to object to President Donald Trump’s comments labeling Libya as “terror-infested.”
On Sunday, Libya’s foreign ministry summoned the United States chargé d'affaires to register a complaint over comments made by Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Perry, Georgia. Trump had referred to Libya, Yemen, Haiti and Somalia as “terror-infested” countries that send migrants, using the derogatory term “shithouse countries.” The Libyan ministry rejected any language that it said diminishes the dignity of its citizens.
Both the eastern and western administrations in Libya denounced the remarks, saying they were an attempt to drag the country into U.S. electoral politics. Trump later used his Truth Social platform to affirm respect for the Libyan people, praising their resilience and their role in fighting ISIS, while insisting that Libya must not serve as a migration corridor. The diplomatic exchange highlights ongoing sensitivities around migration rhetoric and Libya’s international image.
Why it matters
The dispute shows how U.S. political rhetoric can strain diplomatic ties with countries already facing instability.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTCenter coverage highlights Libya’s diplomatic protest against Trump’s derogatory language and its impact on national dignity, while right-leaning coverage frames Trump’s remarks as a policy call urging Libya to stop serving as a migrant transit corridor and praises the country’s counter-terrorism cooperation.
CENTER
Centrist coverage frames the story around Libya’s objection to Trump’s offensive labeling and the perceived politicization of the country in U.S. elections.
RIGHT
Right-leaning coverage frames the story as Trump’s policy-focused appeal for Libya to end its role as a migrant corridor and commends its security partnership.
The right emphasises
- Trump praising Libyan toughness and counter-terrorism cooperation
- Call for Libya to cease being a primary pathway for illegal migrants
- Criticism of Senator Jon Ossoff and reference to U.S. migration policy
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