Trump Hosts Controversial Syrian Leader at White House Amid Global Backlash
Former President Donald Trump hosted Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House on Monday, sparking political debate. First time in decades, US hosted Syrian leaders. The controversial HTS leader Sharaa fought in Iraq.
At the meeting, Trump called Sharaa a “strong and resilient leader” and praised his Middle East peace efforts. Former president emphasized regional security and Sharaa-led U.S.-Syria relations. Trump favored regional diplomacy and dialogue.
Sharaa entered the White House controversially. This month, the State Department removed him from its global terrorist list after the UN lifted terror sanctions. Sharaa became Syria’s interim president in January after Assad’s ouster. The meeting is tainted by his 2006–2011 U.S. imprisonment.
The US lifts Syria energy and investment sanctions. The six-month suspension promotes economic stability and regional cooperation, meeting officials said. Sharaa wanted Syrian border and economic security.
Public reaction to the White House visit was swift and critical. Both parties opposed hosting a former terrorist militant as sending the wrong message. Conservatives worried about national security and the U.S. military in the Middle East, while liberals questioned the ethics of high-level meetings with controversial figures.
Critics said the visit coincided with major U.S. military commemorations, raising domestic and foreign policy concerns. Analysts are unsure how the visit will affect U.S. foreign policy and counterterrorism.
Though criticized, Trump and Sharaa framed the meeting as a step toward dialogue and regional peace. Despite criticism, the visit shows how former enemies can negotiate geopolitical issues in modern diplomacy.
Sources
Washington Post coverage of Trump and Syrian leader meeting
Public statements by Donald Trump on Truth Social
U.S. State Department and United Nations press releases
Congressional reactions reported by multiple U.S. media outlets
