Donald Trump announced on Twitter Wednesday that the U.S. would be withdrawing all of its 2,000 troops from Syria.
Trump took to Twitter to say, “We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency.”
We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2018
The president also posted a video to Twitter regarding the situation confirming that the troops in Syria would be coming home. Trump said, “We have won against ISIS. We’ve beaten them, and we’ve beaten them badly, and we’ve really taken back the land,” He continued, “And now it’s time for our troops to come back home.”
After historic victories against ISIS, it’s time to bring our great young people home! pic.twitter.com/xoNjFzQFTp
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2018
According to the Guardian, the President’s decision to withdraw troops from the middle eastern country was one that came as a surprise to Trump’s advisers and U.S. allies.
The Guardian reports that Trump’s advisors were informed of his decision on Tuesday night, only hours before the president made the announcement on Twitter.
While some people are praising the President’s decision, others have found it to be a premature move.
Republican Senator and close ally to the president, Lindsay Graham was among those who opposed the president’s decision.
Graham took to Twitter following the president’s announcement calling it a huge “Obama-like mistake.” Graham wrote, “Withdrawal of this small American force in Syria would be a huge Obama-like mistake.”
Withdrawal of this small American force in Syria would be a huge Obama-like mistake. https://t.co/atsjHUyJlB
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 19, 2018
He added, “With all due respect, ISIS is not defeated in Syria, Iraq, and after just returning from visiting there — certainly not Afghanistan.”
With all due respect, ISIS is not defeated in Syria, Iraq, and after just returning from visiting there — certainly not Afghanistan.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) December 19, 2018
According to ABC News, Graham expanded on his tweet in a written statement saying, “While American patience in confronting radical Islam may wane, the radical Islamists’ passion to kill Americans and our allies never wavers.”
He added, “An American withdrawal at this time would be a big win for ISIS, Iran, Bashar al Assad of Syria, and Russia. I fear it will lead to devastating consequences for our nation, the region, and throughout the world.”
Republican Senator for Florida, Marco Rubio echoed Graham’s concerns writing on Twitter, “full and rapid” withdrawal from #Syria is a grave error with broader implications beyond just the fight against #ISIS.”
“full and rapid” withdrawal from #Syria is a grave error with broader implications beyond just the fight against #ISIS
Too complex to outline why in a tweet. Will speak about this on Facebook Live at 10:45am eastern.
Watch here: https://t.co/SN8390EYZe
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 19, 2018
Republican Congressman from Illinois, Adam Kinzinger also joined the choir of disapproval writing, “This is simply not true,” in response to the President’s tweet.
This is simply not true. https://t.co/Jvie2NxgWz
— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) December 19, 2018
ABC News reports that Trump does have some supporters on Capitol Hill, however. Republican Senator Rand Paul said Donald Trump was brave for making the decision. He said, “We have a president with the courage to declare victory and bring the troops home. I think it takes courage to do this because there are a million naysayers on both sides of the aisle who always want to remain.”
Photo courtesy: Getty Images/Pool
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