A former high-ranking official from the Biden administration expressed surprise at President Donald Trump’s recent bold move. According to new reports, Trump announced a significant policy change this week: he intends to lift US sanctions on Syria. This makes him the first US president in a quarter-century to meet with a Syrian leader, doing so when he met with the Syrian interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Additionally, Trump secured a $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia, along with agreements to sell nearly $142 billion in arms to the kingdom. This information was reported by various media outlets.
Axios reached out to several officials from the Biden administration regarding Trump’s moves in foreign policy, which were characterized as “bold.”
In regard to Trump’s approach, one official remarked, “I wish I could work for a government that acted so quickly.”
Rob Murray, a former envoy to Iran in the Biden administration, noted the potential risks of Trump’s power, stating, “It’s hard not to fear the damage he could cause, but I’m in awe of his willingness to break so many harmful taboos.”
Ned Price, who served as a spokesperson for the State Department under Biden, added, “It’s as if he has a silent authority over the Republican Caucus, allowing him to achieve things politically that would’ve been unthinkable for the previous president.”
This visit marks Trump’s first major international trip since his return to politics, where he aims to enhance regional partnerships for economic and strategic stability.
During his speech in Saudi Arabia, Trump clarified that lifting sanctions on Syria was meant to offer opportunities under exiled President Bashar al-Assad. He remarked, “For years, Syria has been beset by war and murder. My administration is taking steps to restore normal relations with Syria for the first time in over a decade.”
Former Obama administration officials, such as Tommy Beyetor and Ben Rhodes, commended this decision, indicating it was politically challenging yet the right move.
Beyetor emphasized, “That’s a huge deal, and Trump should receive credit for his decision.” Rhodes echoed that sentiment, adding, “I don’t quite understand why Joe Biden didn’t take similar steps.”
While they admired Trump’s decisive action, some remained skeptical, questioning his motivations. A former Democratic official suggested that Trump’s policies might be influenced by the backlash surrounding his acceptance of a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family.
On the final leg of his tour, Trump visited the UAE, marking a historical moment as he is the first US president to do so in nearly 20 years.
