Official statements from the U.S. government or Department of Defense

Trump Urges U.S. Non-Intervention as Rebels Near Damascus, Assad's Government Collapses

Dec 7, 2024, 03:31 PM

President-elect Donald Trump stated that the United States should not involve itself in the conflict in Syria, emphasizing that 'Syria is a mess, but is not our friend.' He noted that opposition fighters, in an unprecedented move, have captured numerous cities and are approaching Damascus in a highly coordinated offensive against President Bashar al-Assad's rapidly collapsing government. Trump highlighted that Russia, due to heavy losses in Ukraine, is unlikely to intervene to support Assad and suggested that both Russia and Assad may be expelled from Syria. He concluded, 'This is not our fight. Let it play out. Do not get involved.'