Trump to Fox News: US solved 'tremendous' problem with Syria

WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump announced during a Tuesday interview on Fox News that the United States had resolved a significant issue in collaboration with Syria, crediting himself and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for the achievement.

The remarks came mere hours after Trump held a phone conversation with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, amid ongoing shifts in regional alliances and military developments in Syria.

In his appearance on "The Will Cain Show," Trump stated, "Just today, we solved a tremendous problem in conjunction with Syria, saved many lives." 

He elaborated on his discussion with Sharaa, describing it as a "great call" and expressing satisfaction with the progress in Syria. "All of the things having to do with Syria and that area... it's working out very well, and we're very happy about it," Trump added.

The president's comments follow a recent Syrian army offensive against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which resulted in the SDF's withdrawal from key cities including Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor on January 18. This operation marks a notable pivot in US policy, as the SDF had long been Washington's primary ally in the fight against ISIS in Syria. However, US Special Envoy Tom Barrack recently indicated that the SDF's role as the "primary anti-ISIS force" has "largely expired," with the Syrian government under Sharaa now assuming those responsibilities.

Trump praised Sharaa directly, highlighting the Syrian leader's efforts in restoring stability. This aligns with broader diplomatic efforts, including Syria's integration into the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS as its 90th member in late 2025 – a move described by US officials as a "fundamental transformation" in regional security dynamics.

The announcement also comes amid international engagements. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed Syria and Gaza with Trump in a separate phone call, focusing on peace initiatives in the region. 

Sharaa is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to address bilateral relations and Middle East affairs.

Domestically, Trump's statements have drawn mixed reactions. Initial concerns from Republican figures like Senator Lindsey Graham, who called for sanctions on Syria, have given way to support, with Graham crediting Trump for "restoring stability" in the region. Trump himself lauded Rubio as potentially the "best secretary of state" in US history, emphasizing their joint role in the resolution.