United States President-elect Donald Trump has made a significant statement regarding the recent fall of Syria’s former President Bashar al-Assad. On Monday, Trump claimed that Turkey and its President Recep Tayyip Erdogan played a central role in the events that led to the collapse of Assad’s regime.
“Nobody knows who the other side is,” Trump remarked about the ongoing conflicts in Syria. He continued, “But I know, Turkey. He [Erdogan] is a very smart guy. They wanted it for thousands of years, and he got it. Those people that went in are controlled by Turkey, and that’s okay—it’s another way to fight.”
Erdogan’s Leadership Praised
Speaking at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump emphasized Turkey’s growing influence in the region and praised Erdogan as a “very tough” leader.
“I think Turkey is very smart… Turkey did an unfriendly takeover, without a lot of lives being lost. I can say that Assad was a butcher, what he did to children,” Trump told reporters.
Trump highlighted Turkey’s strong military capabilities, saying, “Turkey is a major force, by the way, and Erdogan is somebody I got along with great. He has a major military force, and it has not been worn out with war. He’s built a very strong, powerful army.”
Turkey’s Strategic Role in Syria
Trump also reflected on the ongoing situation in Syria, stating that he believes Turkey will play a pivotal role in the country’s future. “Turkey is going to hold the key to Syria,” he said. “Actually, I don’t think you’ve heard that from anybody else, but I’ve been pretty good at predicting.”
The fall of Assad’s regime marks a major turning point in the Syrian conflict. Assad fled to Russia on December 8, 2024, after Syrian opposition groups seized control of Damascus. The takeover, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) fighters, involved a rapid offensive that lasted less than two weeks.
Trump described Assad as “a butcher” for his actions against children and praised Turkey’s involvement in Syria, which he characterized as an “unfriendly takeover” with minimal loss of life.
US Policy and Future Uncertainty
When asked about withdrawing U.S. troops from northeastern Syria, Trump refrained from giving a direct answer but reiterated his admiration for Erdogan. His comments suggest a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy toward greater reliance on regional allies like Turkey while minimizing direct military involvement.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s strategic moves in Syria have reshaped the region. Following Assad’s fall, clashes continue between the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army and the U.S.-supported SDF, complicating alliances further.
Trump’s remarks signal a pragmatic acknowledgment of Turkey’s ambitions and highlight Erdogan’s role as a key player in the Middle East. However, the evolving landscape in Syria and beyond raises questions about how the U.S. will navigate these complex relationships under the new administration.
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