According to the Lebanese state news agency, NNA, dozens of people gathered near the entrance gate of the Beirut airport, protesting Ortagus’ remarks.
The press office of the Lebanese Presidency also issued a statement, stressing that her remarks “don’t concern the Lebanese Presidency.”
Ortagus is the first senior US official to visit Lebanon since US President Donald Trump took office and President Joseph Aoun was also elected in January.
Her visit is part of a broader Middle East tour that includes stops in Israel and possibly Jordan.
The visit comes amid an ongoing political deadlock in Lebanon, where the formation of a new government, led by designated Prime Minister, Nawaf Salam, remains stalled due to political disagreements.