Summary: President Donald Trump threatened on Twitter to strike Syria.
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump tweeted to Russia that the US was ready to strike Syria, a Moscow ally. Trump’s threat came amidst several key Washington lawmakers questioning whether or not sharing this information through social media was a good idea, according to CNN.
In Trump’s tweet, he stated, “Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!”
Trump’s tweet was alarming because his threat was not approved by lawmakers, who worried that the social media post could escalate tensions between the US and Russia.
“The public suggestion of US military confrontation with Russia is sure to raise tensions in an already volatile situation and add more confusion to US policy in the region. Trump said earlier this month — before the weekend’s suspected chemical attack on civilians at the hands of the Assad regime — that he wanted to withdraw US troops from Syria. Wednesday’s statement is also notable because Trump has criticized his predecessors for publicly telegraphing US military action,” CNN stated.
Trump followed up his Syria tweet with one that was softer in tone.
“Our relationship with Russia is worse now than it has ever been, and that includes the Cold War. There is no reason for this. Russia needs us to help with their economy, something that would be very easy to do, and we need all nations to work together. Stop the arms race?” Trump said.
Trump’s relationship with Russia has been a major issue during his presidency. He is currently being investigated by special counsel Robert Mueller to determine if the country helped him win the 2016 presidential election. So far, a few members of Trump’s inner circle have been indicted on various charges related to the case, but Trump has maintained his innocence throughout the probe, calling it a “witch hunt.”
Since Trump has taken office, several high-profile individuals in Washington confirmed that Russia has been attacking the United States, this includes hacking our electoral systems and filling our social media with fake news intended to incite anger on both sides.
Around the world, Russia has been accused of acts such as a chemical attack in the UK and hacking Ukraine, and this weekend seemed to be the tipping point for Trump. CNN stated that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was responsible for the incident on his own people, and that Russia and Iran had supported him.
“We stand ready to provide military options if they are appropriate as the President determined,” Defense Secretary James Mattis said.
- White House Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Elite
- White House Sanctions Russia for Election Meddling
- Top Official Says Russia Hacked US Voter Systems
- FBI Looking Into Second Trump-Russia Dossier