>> Continued From the Previous Page <<
According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, “he has a tremendous opportunity to do something historic in his country,” Trump told al-Sharaa. Trump also pushed for Syria to align with the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-backed initiative aimed at normalizing relations with Israel—an effort once thought impossible for a country like Syria.
WATCH:
Perhaps the most stunning announcement of the trip came during Trump’s Tuesday address, where he revealed that his administration would lift sanctions on Syria in a bid to give the nation “a chance at greatness.”
“The sanctions were brutal and crippling, and served … an important function, nevertheless, at the time, but now it’s their [Syrians’] time to shine. I say good luck, Syria. Show us something very special,” Trump declared.
The move has already garnered support from key regional leaders. Leavitt confirmed, “President Erdogan praised President Trump for lifting sanctions on Syria and committed to working alongside Saudi Arabia to encourage peace and prosperity in Syria.” She added that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia called Trump’s decision “courageous.”
Al-Sharaa himself expressed gratitude, acknowledging the efforts of Trump, bin Salman, and Erdogan to bring the parties together. He highlighted the importance of Iran’s waning influence in Syria, and emphasized shared goals with the U.S. in combating terrorism and destroying chemical weapons stockpiles.
Trump’s arrival in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday was nothing short of spectacular. Escorted by fighter jets across the kingdom’s airspace, he was met on the runway by Crown Prince bin Salman, who greeted him with a powerful fist pump. A lavish coffee ceremony followed, complete with a purple carpet rolled out for the American leader.
Several high-profile members of Trump’s Cabinet accompanied him on the trip, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
The city of Riyadh seemed to transform in his honor. American flags lined the streets, while mobile billboards promoted a massive new Disney theme park project in nearby Abu Dhabi—highlighting the spirit of economic cooperation blooming between the U.S. and its Middle Eastern allies.
Trump’s itinerary included a major speech at an investment roundtable attended by tech moguls Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Sam Altman. That was followed by an elaborate state dinner—another testament to the warm reception Trump received throughout his stay.
The broader focus of Trump’s three-nation tour—including stops in Qatar and the UAE—is to revitalize investment in American infrastructure and technology, positioning the U.S. as a global economic hub.
As Trump enters the 17th week of his second term, this trip marks a defining moment in his foreign policy—a bold step toward reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and reaffirming America’s leadership on the world stage.
