Following the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have offered distinct responses to the historic and tumultuous moment.
President Biden addressed the nation Sunday, acknowledging the fall of Assad’s “abhorrent” regime as a “historic opportunity” for Syria’s long-suffering people. He described Assad’s regime as one that “brutalized, tortured and killed literally hundreds of thousands of innocent Syrians,” marking its downfall as a moment of hope for Syrians.
However, Biden also warned of the risks and uncertainty following Assad’s ousting, emphasizing that the U.S. would remain vigilant in supporting Syria’s neighbors—Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Israel—if any threats arise.
Biden further expressed commitment to securing the release of American journalist and Marine Corps veteran Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012.
Biden stated, “This is a moment of considerable risk and uncertainty, but I also believe this is the best opportunity in generations for Syrians to forge their own future free of oppression.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed Biden’s sentiment, calling the fall of Assad’s regime a reason for “hope” for the Syrian people, stressing the importance of a peaceful transition and the preservation of state institutions.
On the other hand, President-elect Donald Trump has been less optimistic about the developments in Syria. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Trump referred to the situation in Syria as a “mess” and reiterated his stance that the U.S. should stay out of it.
Trump wrote, “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT. LET IT PLAY OUT. DO NOT GET INVOLVED!”
Trump expressed his belief that the fall of Assad could benefit Russian interests, as Russia has long supported the Syrian president. He added, “Assad being forced out may actually be the best thing that can happen to Russia,” noting that Russia’s focus on Ukraine might leave it less capable of intervening in Syria.
Trump called for an immediate ceasefire and urged for negotiations to begin, warning that continued fighting could escalate into a broader, more destructive conflict.
Retired General Frank McKenzie, who led U.S. Central Command during Trump’s presidency, also raised concerns about the potential consequences of Assad’s fall. Speaking on ABC News, McKenzie noted the uncertainty surrounding Syria’s future, saying the collapse of Assad’s regime might lead to the rise of extremist groups like ISIS, with profound implications for the region.
The sudden downfall of the Assad regime marks the end of a 24-year reign, a period during which the country descended into a brutal civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. The conflict saw the rise of ISIS, the intervention of foreign powers, and massive displacement. The collapse of the regime now leaves Syria at a crossroads, with both hope and danger lying ahead for its people.
United States Politics Blog