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 @ISIDEWITHNewsUnited StatesForeign policyBashar al-AssadSyriaTrumpsanctionsSaudi Arabiamiddle eastU.S.•••2 days ago

Trump Shocks World by Lifting Sanctions on Post-Assad Syria in Major Policy Reversal

President Donald Trump has announced a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy by pledging to lift longstanding sanctions on Syria following the fall of the Assad regime. The move, revealed during a high-profile speech in Saudi Arabia, signals an intent to normalize relations with Syria's new leadership, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Trump framed the decision as an opportunity to give Syria 'a chance at peace' and to encourage stability in the region. The announcement coincided with a massive $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia to the U.S., highlighting the influence of Gulf allies on the policy change. Critics note the controversial background of Syria's new leader and question the long-term implications for regional security.

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 @ISIDEWITHlinked…2 days2D

Trump says he will lift Syria sanctions: "I say good luck, Syria. Show us something special."

https://cbsnews.com

President Trump said he will move to normalize relations and lift sanctions on Syria's new government to give the country "a chance at peace."

 @ISIDEWITHlinked…2 days2D

Live Updates: Trump Will Lift Sanctions on Syria and Meet With Its Leader

https://nytimes.com

The president announced the planned change in U.S. policy during a speech at a Saudi investment forum at the start of the first major international trip of his second term. His meeting with Syria’s new leader will take place Wednesday.

 @ISIDEWITHlinked…2 days2D

Trump Says U.S. Will Lift Sanctions on Syria After Rebel Takeover

https://nytimes.com

Syria’s new leaders and their allies in the Arab world have argued that the sanctions, meant to punish the Assad regime that was toppled in December, have outlived their purpose.

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…5mos5MO

Hegseth Out, DeSantis In? Trump Rethinks Defense Pick

President-elect Donald Trump is considering Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as a possible replacement for Pete Hegseth, his pick to run the Pentagon, according to people familiar with the discussions, amid Republican senators’ concerns over mounting allegations about the former Fox News host’s personal life.Picking DeSantis, a 2024 GOP primary rival for the presidency, would amount to a stunning turn for Trump. But he would also find in the governor a well-known conservative with a service record who shares Trump’s—and Hegseth’s—view on culling what they see as “woke” policies in the military.Trump allies increasingly think Hegseth might not survive further scrutiny, according to people close to the president-elect’s team, which considers the next 48 hours to be crucial to his fate.DeSantis, who served as a Navy lawyer in Iraq and the Guantanamo Bay detention facility, was on an earlier list of potential defense-secretary candidates that transition officials presented to the president. Trump ultimately went with Hegseth. But as Hegseth’s nomination has faltered, that list has been revived and DeSantis is again among the choices Trump is considering, the people said.The discussions are in their early stages, one of the people said, adding that Trump has floated DeSantis’s name in casual conversations with guests at Mar-a-Lago, his private Florida club.Trump could decide not to choose DeSantis and select another replacement, if Hegseth’s nomination falls apart, the people said. Another potential defense-secretary candidate who has been discussed by Trump allies, according to people familiar with the matter, is Elbridge Colby, a former Pentagon official and ally of Vice President-elect JD Vance. Trump is also considering Sen. Joni Ernst (R., Iowa) for the job, some of the people said.DeSantis was once seen as an acolyte of Trump but his decision to challenge the former president in the 2024 GOP primary began a conflict between them, with Trump casting DeSantis as disloyal. Trump easily prevailed in the primary and friends of the two have worked to repair the relationship.

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 @ISIDEWITH submitted…6mos6MO

Donald Trump nominates Pam Bondi as the next Attorney General

Former President and 2024 Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as the next Attorney General of the United States, should he reclaim the presidency in the upcoming election.Bondi, a prominent figure in Republican politics, served as Florida's Attorney General from 2011 to 2019. She gained national attention for her legal battles on issues such as health care reform, consumer protection, and opioid abuse litigation. Known for her steadfast support of Trump during his presidency, Bondi also served as a key adviser during his first impeachment trial, where she defended his administration against accusations of abuse of power.In a statement released by his campaign, Trump praised Bondi’s “unwavering commitment to justice” and her “track record of standing up for everyday Americans against the abuses of Washington’s elites.”“Pam Bondi has been a fearless advocate for the people, and she embodies the principles of fairness, accountability, and the rule of law that are sorely needed to restore trust in our justice system,” Trump said. “She is the right person to lead the Department of Justice into a new era of integrity and excellence.”While Bondi’s nomination has been met with applause from conservative circles, it has also reignited criticism from Democrats and ethics watchdogs. Her acceptance of a $25,000 donation from the Trump Foundation in 2013, which coincided with her decision not to pursue an investigation into Trump University, has drawn scrutiny in the past and resurfaced following the announcement.Democratic leaders have already voiced opposition, questioning Bondi’s ability to lead the Department of Justice independently. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) called the nomination “a political power play” and urged a focus on “restoring integrity, not entrenching partisanship.”

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