Trump Meets With Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa In Historic Visit
President Trump met on Monday with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first time a Syrian leader has ever visited the White House. The administration announced it would be suspending most sanctions and trade restrictions on Syria – aside from certain transactions involving Russia and Iran – “to give the country a chance at peace and prosperity.”
A stunning reversal: It comes days after sanctions were lifted on Syria’s leader al-Sharaa himself – a former leader of the Syrian al-Qaeda affiliate who had a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head until last year.
The meeting between al-Sharaa and Trump focused on counter-terrorism cooperation in Syria, especially as the Islamic State seeks to exploit the country’s post-civil war vacuum.
WHO IS AL-SHARAA?
The new Syrian President was the leader of an Islamist terrorist group formerly affiliated with al-Qaeda. The group overthrew Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, ending a brutal 50-year dictatorship and a 14-year civil war that killed hundreds of thousands of people.
Al-Sharaa joined al-Qaeda around two decades ago and was arrested in Iraq in 2005, where he spent six years in an American military prison. He eventually broke from the group in 2016. The U.S. officially designated him a terrorist in 2013.
Al-Sharaa was only removed from a list of globally designated terrorists on Thursday, according to the State Department, which said they championed the initiative “in recognition of the progress demonstrated by the Syrian leadership after the departure of Bashar al-Assad.”
Since assuming power in Syria, he has pledged no attacks against Western targets, and sought engagement with international partners.
THE HISTORIC MEETING
Monday marked the third meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa, focused on counterterrorism efforts in Syria and around the world.
The U.S. recently lifted sanctions on Syria, as the country begins to rebuild in the aftermath of its devastating civil war. It is estimated to cost $200+ billion, according to the World Bank.
The U.S. has a vested interest in supporting the country’s stability and security – for its own safety, and also to allow U.S. troops still stationed in Syria to return home. While Trump has waived sanctions, Congress would need to approve a permanent repeal.
Big picture: This is part of Trump’s broader effort to push for peace in the Middle East. He likely also wants to ensure Syria does not become a proxy for Iran or Russia as al-Sharaa establishes his rule. Trump has said he would like to see Syria join the Abraham Accords and establish a full relationship with Israel.