Official statements from the Turkish government or credible international news agencies

Trump Praises Erdogan, Claims Turkey Behind Assad's Overthrow in Syria

Dec 16, 2024, 07:15 PM

President-elect Donald Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, describing him as a "very smart guy" and someone he "got along with great." Trump highlighted that Erdogan has built a "very strong, powerful army" that has "not been worn out with war." He stated that Turkey is behind the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, referring to it as an "unfriendly takeover" by Turkey. Trump suggested that Turkey has "wanted it for thousands of years and he got it," indicating that Turkey will "hold the key to what happens in Syria." Emphasizing his desire to avoid American casualties, Trump remarked that he does not want U.S. soldiers "to be killed in Syria." He also described Assad as a "butcher" for his actions against children.