During a historic White House meeting, President Donald Trump drew attention and criticism by making a provocative joke about Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s marital status. The 79-year-old leader also gifted Sharaa his $249-a-bottle Trump Cologne and asked humorously about the number of his wives, in a moment captured on video. Sharaa, who has a controversial past as a former al-Qaeda commander, appeared to smile awkwardly during the exchange. While the visit marked a milestone in U.S.-Syria relations, the unusual levity and personal remarks overshadowed diplomatic objectives.
Historic Syrian Visit
Ahmed al-Sharaa became the first Syrian leader to visit the White House since Syria’s independence in 1946. The meeting symbolized a potential shift in U.S.-Syria relations, following Sharaa’s rise to power after ousting President Assad. Despite the historic nature, the greeting was unusually muted, with Sharaa entering through a side door rather than the traditional West Wing entrance.
Trump Cologne Moment
Trump spritzed Sharaa with his eponymous $249 fragrance, commenting, “This is men’s fragrance,” while the Syrian leader smiled nervously. The president added that a second bottle was “for Sharaa’s wife,” before joking about the number of wives he had. The exchange included a light-hearted arm slap and playful banter that drew attention on social media.
Sharaa’s Controversial Past
Sharaa, 43, is a former al-Qaeda commander who was sanctioned by Washington as a “specially designated global terrorist.” He joined the terror group in Iraq before the 2003 U.S. invasion and spent five years in American custody. His past raised questions about the optics of the White House meeting, despite his current attempts to present himself as a moderate leader.
Rise to Power
Sharaa led an 11-day offensive against Assad’s regime in November 2024, causing Assad to flee to Russia. He assumed power officially on January 29 and has since sought to unify Syria and end decades-long international isolation. His wife, Latifa al-Droubi, 41, has been described by Sharaa as a key support during his political and personal journey.
U.S.-Syria Relations
The White House visit is expected to mark Syria’s joining the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group. Trump praised Sharaa as a “strong leader” and expressed confidence in his leadership, while acknowledging the former leader’s turbulent past: “We’ve all had rough pasts,” he said.
Sanctions and Reforms
Sharaa is advocating for a full repeal of the Caesar Act, which imposed sanctions over Assad-era human rights abuses. While some sanctions are currently waived by presidential order, permanent removal would require congressional approval. Syrian officials emphasized the need for economic recovery and regional security, aligning with the U.S. goal of stabilizing the region.
Diplomatic Balancing Act
Trump noted that he lifted the first sanctions in May to give Sharaa “a fighting shot” and praised progress so far: “It’s a tough neighborhood and he’s a tough guy, but I got along with him very well.” The visit reflects a careful balancing of diplomacy, security cooperation, and high-profile optics, despite moments of controversy.