Trump backs Syrian leader, says ‘a choir boy’ could not handle situation

By AFP 20 January 2026, 11:42 pm 5 Edit

This handout photograph released by the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) on November 10, 2025, shows US President Donald Trump (L) shaking hands with Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House in Washington DC. (Handout / SANA / AFP)

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday expresses support for his Syrian counterpart Ahmed al-Sharaa, who launched an offensive against Washington’s erstwhile Kurdish allies, saying a “choir boy” could not handle the situation.

“He’s working very hard, the president of Syria. He’s working very, very hard. Strong guy, tough guy,” Trump tells journalists at the White House.

“Pretty rough resume. But you’re not gonna put a choir boy in there and get the job done,” he adds.