President Trump Defends His Decision To Withdraw Troops From Syria

President Trump caught a lot of people off guard by calling for the withdrawal of troops from Syria. He released this message last night:

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

He’s facing a lot of criticism, especially from lawmakers like Sen. Marco Rubio.

“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

Hasty withdrawal from #Syria will cause Kurds & SDF to end fight against ISIS & turns Syria over to Israel’s greatest enemies.

This is a terrible mistake.

It will have grave consequences for the U.S. & Israel & great benefit for ISIS, Iran & Hezbollahhttps://t.co/ljbwH0kIKO

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 19, 2018

The decision to pull out of Syria was made despite overwhelming military advice against it.

It is a major blunder. It it isn’t reversed it will haunt this administration & America for years to come.

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 19, 2018

A “major blunder.” That’s a pretty severe rebuke.

I found someone who is supportive of the decision to retreat from #Syria https://t.co/SlNs9hrXLG

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 19, 2018

Netanyahu said of Syria retreat “we will make sure Israel's security is preserved & we will defend ourselves from this arena."

Translation: #Israel will now have to step up attacks inside #Syria even if it results in a new war with Hezbollah & potentially #Iran.

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 19, 2018

Trump doubled down and defended his decision Thursday morning.

Getting out of Syria was no surprise. I’ve been campaigning on it for years, and six months ago, when I very publicly wanted to do it, I agreed to stay longer. Russia, Iran, Syria & others are the local enemy of ISIS. We were doing there work. Time to come home & rebuild. #MAGA

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018

Does the USA want to be the Policeman of the Middle East, getting NOTHING but spending precious lives and trillions of dollars protecting others who, in almost all cases, do not appreciate what we are doing? Do we want to be there forever? Time for others to finally fight…..

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018

….Russia, Iran, Syria & many others are not happy about the U.S. leaving, despite what the Fake News says, because now they will have to fight ISIS and others, who they hate, without us. I am building by far the most powerful military in the world. ISIS hits us they are doomed!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018

Man. It’s quite the debate to have days before Christmas…