Libya’s Foreign Ministry summoned the United States chargé d’affaires on Sunday to protest remarks by President Donald Trump, who described the North African nation as “terror-infested” during a campaign rally in Georgia.
The ministry condemned Trump’s comments as offensive and unacceptable, saying Libya rejects statements that undermine the dignity of its people or diminish the country’s standing.
The diplomatic protest followed Trump’s speech at a rally in Perry, Georgia, on Saturday, during which he criticised Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff over immigration policies.
Trump accused Ossoff of supporting legislation that would allow large numbers of migrants into the United States from countries including Libya, Yemen, Haiti and Somalia.
The US president referred to those nations as “terror-infested” before invoking a derogatory term he had previously used to describe certain countries.
Trump’s remarks prompted criticism from Libya’s rival administrations in the country’s east and west, both of which rejected his characterisation of Libya.
The two administrations also denounced attempts to involve Libya in US domestic political disputes, particularly in the context of electoral campaigning.
Despite their longstanding political divisions, authorities on both sides expressed opposition to remarks they said insulted Libya and its people.
The diplomatic dispute comes as Libya continues to face political fragmentation, with rival administrations competing for authority following years of conflict and failed efforts to establish a unified government.
The country has remained divided between the UN-recognised Government of National Unity in Tripoli and rival political institutions based in eastern Libya.
Trump’s comments have added a fresh diplomatic strain to relations between Washington and Tripoli at a time when international efforts to resolve Libya’s political crisis remain stalled.
