US Senior Advisor for Africa and President Donald Trump’s Senior Advisor on Arab and Middle Eastern Affairs, Massad Boulos, has revealed that the Trump administration is developing a comprehensive proposal to resolve the Libyan crisis, one that includes all rival factions in a power-sharing government.
In an interview with Al Arabiya, Boulos said several solutions are under discussion, including a unified governance model that integrates all political players through real and inclusive partnership. He stressed that Washington’s intention is to stabilise Libya through a balanced political framework.
The revelation comes two months after President Trump signed a presidential document in February, extending the national emergency status for Libya for another year. The White House cited Libya as posing an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security and foreign policy.
However, the announcement of renewed American engagement coincides with policy shifts that may undermine U.S. influence in Libya. Earlier this month, Trump issued executive orders imposing new tariffs on imported goods, including a 31% duty on Libyan products. Libya already levies a 61% tariff on American goods, raising concerns that mutual trade could be further weakened.
In addition, the Trump administration plans to cut the U.S. State Department’s budget by half by the 2026 fiscal year. This move could result in the closure of up to 30 diplomatic missions, potentially reducing America’s presence in key conflict zones such as Libya, even as it claims a renewed commitment to resolving the crisis.
