Trump Shares Macron, Rutte Messages on Syria

In a recent conversation with the Post, President Trump revealed that he posted personal text messages from French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to “get my point across.” He mentioned that on Monday, he was focused on preventing a European terrorist from escaping a prison in Syria.

Right before global leaders convened in Davos, Switzerland, Trump shared messages from Macron and Rutte, which complimented his actions in Syria and urged dialogue with him. This comes as he is working on a plan to acquire Greenland.

“It just supported my point. They’re suggesting, ‘Oh, let’s have dinner, let’s do this and that.’ My point was absolutely valid,” he commented on the leaders’ private praise after he threatened to impose tariffs on eight European nations opposed to his Greenland initiative starting February 1.

According to Trump, both leaders admired his efforts in Syria, saying, “I did a great job. You know what I did? I thwarted a jailbreak.” He continued, “Yes, we did well against Syria. They were breaking out. European prisoners were trying to escape, and I stopped them. That was just yesterday.”

He added that European terrorists were imprisoned and then broke out, but with the help of the Syrian government, the prisoners were recaptured. “They were some of the worst terrorists in the world, all from Europe,” he noted.

The escape occurred at al-Shadadi prison in northeastern Syria, where Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s forces are advancing against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, which has been involved in fighting and imprisoning militants for the last decade. Recently, the Kurdish group agreed to relinquish regional autonomy and hand over control of sites housing around 8,000 Islamic State fighters.

On Monday, Syria’s Interior Ministry reported that 81 of the 120 ISIS fugitives had been recaptured, according to Al Jazeera.

Trump’s choice to post private text messages on Truth Social reflects back-channel diplomatic efforts as he increases pressure on European allies regarding Greenland’s control.

In a letter to Trump, Macron expressed, “Friends, we are in complete agreement on the Syria issue. We can achieve great things against Iran. I don’t understand their stance regarding Greenland. Let’s do something remarkable: 1) A G7 meeting could be arranged after Davos in Paris on Thursday afternoon, where you could invite Ukrainians, Danes, Syrians, and Russians. 2) Let’s have dinner together in Paris on Thursday before you head back to the United States.”

Rutte also praised Trump’s achievements in Syria, stating, “What you accomplished today is incredible. I will highlight your efforts in Gaza and Ukraine during my time in Davos. I’m eager to find a solution for Greenland. Can’t wait to see you.”