Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s recent interview on CBS News has stirred some lively conversation. During the segment, correspondent Margaret Brennan mentioned that former President Donald Trump had called al-Sharaa “handsome” and “tough” when they met. This comment led to what some viewed as a somewhat flirtatious exchange.
“When I met President Trump in May, he described you as handsome and tough and with a strong past,” Brennan remarked, referring to a segment that aired on Sunday.
Al-Sharaa responded with a grin, asking, “Do you have any doubts about that?” His reply caught Brennan off guard, prompting her to steer the dialogue back to serious topics.
Brennan emphasized, “There is no doubt about your strong past, but because of that past, you have been designated as a terrorist by the U.S. government.” This marked a significant moment, as it was al-Sharaa’s first notable appearance on American television, provoking a flood of reactions on social media, including humorous takes on his demeanor, with some dubbing him “President Riz.”
The term “rizz,” common in Gen Z slang, suggests charisma, particularly regarding attracting women. One commenter even joked, “My brother thought 60 Minutes was a dating show.”
During the interview, CBS reporters also touched on al-Sharaa’s leadership role with the al-Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra during the Syrian civil war. Brennan noted, “Just a few months ago, there was a $10 million bounty on your head,” to which al-Sharaa replied, “It would have been a waste. It would have been a waste of money,” referencing his past as a former militant.
He added, “That was 25 years ago, when I was 17 or 18. The level of consciousness now is different than it was 20 years ago.” The exchange quickly gained traction on social platforms amid extensive discussions about Syria’s new leader, who recently rose to power after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s long-standing regime.
Assad is reportedly in exile in Russia and has faced health issues, including being hospitalized after an alleged poisoning incident. Al-Sharaa, now 42, has been attempting to reframe his image as a reformer since political shifts earlier this year.
The U.S. officially lifted the terrorist designation of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in July following a meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa, which led to easing sanctions against the newly formed government. Trump praised al-Sharaa for being “young,” “charming,” and “tough,” and noted his talent for reuniting a nation recovering from extensive conflict.
He encouraged al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Julani, to acknowledge Israel in line with the Abraham Accords. Throughout the “60 Minutes” segment, Brennan pressed al-Sharaa about his extremist ties, to which he described his previous militancy as “a generation’s mistake,” stressing the importance of focusing on rebuilding war-torn Syria.
While there’s cautious optimism among U.S. officials regarding Syria’s political evolution, skepticism remains about al-Sharaa’s commitment to moderation.
In the meantime, the White House has acknowledged the new Syrian government’s efforts, viewing them as a *promising step* toward stability and peace. The Post has reached out to both CBS News and the Syrian government for further comments.
