As the globalist neoconservatives and former “anti-war” liberals bang the drums of war with Syria, President Donald Trump appeared to change his previously anti-intervention tone on Wednesday — much to the dismay of many of his supporters.
For the past four years, Trump has repeatedly demanded that the US stay out of Syria, so…
Here is a timeline of all of his tweets containing the word “Syria” since May, 2013:
On May 27, 2013, five days after the US Senate panel backed arming the rebels, Trump tweeted a question as to why Senator John McCain was in Syria — as well as what became his campaign slogan.
Why is Senator John McCain in Syria visiting with the rebels- MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2013
Two days later, on May 29, 2013, Trump tweeted, “Obama wants to unilaterally put a no-fly zone in Syria to protect Al Qaeda Islamists,” and stated that “Syria is NOT our problem.”
Obama wants to unilaterally put a no-fly zone in Syria to protect Al Qaeda Islamists http://t.co/DCgP83Oxas Syria is NOT our problem.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 29, 2013
On June 15, 2013, the day after the US announced increased “military support” to rebels, Trump tweeted that they are as bad as the current regime — and that we should stay out of Syria. He also expressed his non interventionist “America first” policy by noting that we would gain nothing from what would cost billions of dollars, as well as our citizen’s lives.
We should stay the hell out of Syria, the "rebels" are just as bad as the current regime. WHAT WILL WE GET FOR OUR LIVES AND $ BILLIONS?ZERO
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 16, 2013
On August 18, 2013, Trump quoted a tweet that mocked then-President Barack Obama for golfing as Syria, Egypt, and Iraq were burning.
"@RayHeard: @realDonaldTrump @bat211 @capetown58 Meanwhile, he's on the golf course as Egypt, Syria, Iraq burn.What else is new?"
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 18, 2013
On August 28, 2013, the week that rebel forces took full control of Ariha In Idlib Province as well as captured the village of Khanasir, Trump tweeted a reminder that the “freedom fighters” that the US has armed “want to fly planes into our buildings.”
Remember, all these ‘freedom fighters’ in Syria want to fly planes into our buildings.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 28, 2013
The next day, on August 29, 2013, Trump sent out seven tweets involving Syria. The first once again mocked Obama, saying that he wouldn’t attack Syria on the same day of his commemorating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech.
Why would anyone think Obama would attack Syria the day of his speech in Washington. He doesn't want to detract from his press & glory.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2013
This was also the day that British Parliament decided not to take military action.
In the next several tweets, Trump pondered why it needed to be announced at all if we attacked, noting that the element of surprise would be better.
Why do we keep broadcasting when we are going to attack Syria. Why can't we just be quiet and, if we attack at all, catch them by surprise?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2013
He also called Obama “stupid.”
"@voicelikeariot_: @realDonaldTrump "@washingtonpost: Why Obama is giving up the element of surprise in Syria" Perhaps because he is stupid?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2013
If we are going to continue to be stupid and go into Syria (watch Russia), as they say in the movies, SHOOT FIRST AND TALK LATER!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2013
The next tweet stated that the Arab League should be dealing with Syria, and if we had to get involved, they should at least be paying for it.
Let the Arab League take care of Syria. Why are these rich Arab countries not paying us for the tremendous cost of such an attack?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2013
Trump went on to again question what we would get out of intervening in the nation’s affairs, noting the potential for long term conflict, and stated that Obama needed to obtain Congressional approval.
What will we get for bombing Syria besides more debt and a possible long term conflict? Obama needs Congressional approval.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 29, 2013
On August 30, 2013, Obama decided to refrain from attacking until he obtained approval from Congress. The US also deployed their sixth warship to the Mediterranean. Trump responded on Twitter in a series of tweets questioning US leadership.
Is everyone seeing how incompetently our country is being run by watching the mess with Syria? Our leaders don't know what they are doing!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 30, 2013
He noted that civilian casualties from a US attack would make the nation look “very bad.”
If Obama attacks Syria and innocent civilians are hurt and killed, he and the U.S. will look very bad!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 30, 2013
Again expressing his desire to stay out of Syria.
How bad has our "leader" made us look on Syria. Stay out of Syria, we don't have the leadership to win wars or even strategize.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 30, 2013
As well as commenting that the US can’t actually afford the cost of an intervention.
"@jenconservative: @RKDrake @realDonaldTrump I would be totally surprised if the US even HAS any money to spend on Syria!!" We don't!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 30, 2013
He also expressed his belief that while the government may be committing atrocities — so are the rebels that the US was funding.
"@Joe1sPro: @realDonaldTrump the president of Syria is killing people inhumanly" But the so called "rebels" may be just as bad (or worse)!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 30, 2013
The next day, August 31, 2013, Obama gave a speech announcing his desire to seek Congressional authorization to intervene in the civil war. He made it clear that he was prepared to give the order for a strike. He claimed intervention was necessary due to chemical attacks — though it was never proven who had launched them. It has been openly questioned by many if the crime was committed by the rebels that the US had armed.
Trump tweeted that all of Obama’s talking has given his targets a chance to prepare.
Syria has prepared for an attack based on all of our "talk" – they have moved targeted ammunition and supplies to new locations.Amazing!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 31, 2013
On the first day of September, 2013, Trump expressed his relief that Obama’s weakness may have been a blessing.
President Obama's weakness and indecision may have saved us from doing a horrible and very costly (in more ways than money) attack on Syria!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2013
This was also the day that a Twitter user asked Trump how he would handle the situation if he was president. Trump responded that he would let them fight each other while focusing on the US.
"@mguarino64: @realDonaldTrump " How would you treat the Syria situation if president ?" I'd let them all fight with each other-focus on US!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2013
Trump again expressed his annoyance with the Arab League.
The Arab League stated that it wants nothing to do with an attack on Syria, but they want us to attack.Are our leaders insane or just stupid
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 2, 2013
As well as with the fact that the administration was being so open with their plans.
We have given Syria so much time and information-there has never been such an instance in wartime history. Syria is now fully prepared!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 2, 2013
The next day, September 2, 2013, Trump again expressed his frustration with the fact that the administration has been so public with their strategies.
"@DanScavino: @realDonaldTrump – it's so bad there are actually maps of targets now in #Syria & where USA ships would attack from.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 2, 2013
If the U.S. attacks Syria and hits the wrong targets, killing civilians, there will be worldwide hell to pay. Stay away and fix broken U.S.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2013
Think of it, the Arab League doesn't want to get involved with Syria – but they want us to do their dirty work. How stupid!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2013
September 3, 2013, he stated that “the great GENERALS MacArthur and Patton, real leaders and fighters, are spinning in their graves as we give Syria info & time to prepare.”
The great GENERALS MacArthur and Patton, real leaders and fighters, are spinning in their graves as we give Syria info & time to prepare.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2013
He also once again urged the nation to stay out of Syria.
What I am saying is stay out of Syria.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2013
Again, expressing his outrage over the loss of the element of surprise.
For all of those fools that want to attack Syria, the U.S.has lost the vital element of surprise-so stupid-could be a disaster!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2013
On September 4, things escalated once again as the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations approved the Authorization for the Use of Military Force Against the Government of Syria to Respond to Use of Chemical Weapons. The bill forbid putting boots on the ground, but if passed, would give the president power to take “direct action” and engage in intervention for 90 days. It still needed to pass through the Congress and Senate.
Trump tweeted: “Many Syrian ‘rebels’ are radical Jihadis. Not our friends & supporting them doesn’t serve our national interest. Stay out of Syria!”
Many Syrian ‘rebels’ are radical Jihadis. Not our friends & supporting them doesn't serve our national interest. Stay out of Syria!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2013
The next day, on September 5, 2013, Trump tweeted about the infamous “red line” comment made by Obama, and claimed it was the only reason he actually wanted to intervene.
President Obama put himself in a very bad position when he talked about Syria crossing the RED LINE. Amazingly, now he denies he said that!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2013
The only reason President Obama wants to attack Syria is to save face over his very dumb RED LINE statement. Do NOT attack Syria,fix U.S.A.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2013
He also questioned if we should stop Iran’s nuclear capabilities while everyone was focused on Syria.
While everyone is waiting and prepared for us to attack Syria, maybe we should knock the hell out of Iran and their nuclear capabilities?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2013
…and made himself very clear in all-caps.
AGAIN, TO OUR VERY FOOLISH LEADER, DO NOT ATTACK SYRIA – IF YOU DO MANY VERY BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN & FROM THAT FIGHT THE U.S. GETS NOTHING!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2013
He also noted that members of the Bush administration shouldn’t even be commenting, since the Iraq War was a “waste of blood and treasure.”
All former Bush administration officials should have zero standing on Syria. Iraq was a waste of blood & treasure.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2013
Trump, even then, worried about needless conflict with Russia.
Russia is sending a fleet of ships to the Mediterranean. Obama’s war in Syria has the potential to widen into a worldwide conflict.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2013
He also expressed concern about terrorists calling themselves rebels, and therefore being armed by the US.
The terrorists in Syria are calling themselves REBELS and getting away with it because our leaders are so completely stupid!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2013
On September 6, 2013, Trump joked that Obama destroy Syria by exporting Obamacare.
If Syria was forced to use Obamacare they would self-destruct without a shot being fired. Obama should sell them that idea!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 6, 2013
Saturday, September 7, 2013, Trump referred to the civil war as a “politician’s war.”
Syria has been given so much time that much of the things we were going to bomb have been moved into civilian areas! A polititian's war.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 7, 2013
Again, urging Obama to stay out of Syria, telling him to “save your “powder” for another (and more important) day!
President Obama, do not attack Syria. There is no upside and tremendous downside. Save your "powder" for another (and more important) day!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 7, 2013
That Monday, September 9, 2013, the day after rebels, including al-Nusra Front, took control of the historic Christian town of Maalula, Trump continued his rants that we need to stay out and focus on making the US strong and great again.
Don't attack Syria – an attack that will bring nothing but trouble for the U.S. Focus on making our country strong and great again!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 9, 2013
Continuing to show his anti-needless war stance, he again brought up the failings of the Iraq War.
Iraq has granted Iran full air rights to fly over and arm Syria. What did America accomplish with the Iraq war? And now Syria?!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 9, 2013
September 10, 2013, he noted that the Russians were making the US look bad by playing a “very smart game.”
The Russians are playing a very smart game. In the meantime they are buying lots of time for Syria and making U.S. look foolish. Dangerous!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 10, 2013
At this point, Trump backed off his quest to stay out of Syria, not tweeting the name of the nation again until June 26, 2014. This was the day after the Syrian Air Force killed at least 57 civilians by bombing the Islamic State in Iraq.
Now Syria is bombing Iraq and Secy. Kerry, after we blew the hell out of the place, says please don't do that. Syria is a front for Iran.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 26, 2014
On August 25, 2014, Trump called it “ironic” that “we will now be helping Syria and Iran by attacking ISIS.” The day before, ISIS forces had captured the Tabqa airbase from the Syrian military.
We will now be helping Syria and Iran by attacking ISIS – ironic, isn't it!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2014
On September 4, 2014, Trump stated that “any American who fights w/ ISIS in Iraq or Syria should have their passport revoked. If they try to come back in, send them to Gitmo.”
Any American who fights w/ ISIS in Iraq or Syria should have their passport revoked. If they try to come back in, send them to Gitmo.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 4, 2014
Sixteen days later, on September 20, 2014, he expressed doubt that the US was really sure they were arming “moderate” rebels.
Do you believe that Obama is giving weapons to "moderate rebels" in Syria.Isn't sure who they are. What the hell is he doing.Will turn on us
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 20, 2014
On September 23, 2014, he mocked the administration for saying that Syria borders Saudi Arabia.
Obama administration said that Saudi Arabia was on Syria’s border http://t.co/s4AI85JHSe Wrong. These are the civilians planning the war.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2014
On June 15, 2015, Trump announced his candidacy for president, and the live-tweeting of the Syrian Civil War calmed for a while.
On November 4, 2015, Trump quoted Sean Hannity’s tweet about how the US needs to be less predictable when it comes to Syria.
"@seanhannity: @realDonaldTrump on sending 50 Special Ops Forces troops to Syria: This country needs to be less predictable.”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 4, 2015
On November 17, 2015, Trump expressed his concern about the refugees coming from Syria potentially having ties to ISIS.
Refugees from Syria are now pouring into our great country. Who knows who they are – some could be ISIS. Is our president insane?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 17, 2015
March 24, 2016, Trump tweeted that “Europe and the U.S. must immediately stop taking in people from Syria. This will be the destruction of civilization as we know it! So sad!”
Europe and the U.S. must immediately stop taking in people from Syria. This will be the destruction of civilization as we know it! So sad!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 24, 2016
When Russian President Vladimir Putin and Obama failed to make a deal regarding Syria on September 5, 2016, Trump noted that the US president was not a good deal maker.
President Obama & Putin fail to reach deal on Syria – so what else is new? Obama is not a natural deal maker. Only makes bad deals!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2016
Two weeks later, September 19, Trump quoted a tweet about how refugees coming from Syria were not being properly vetted.
"@TarukMatuk: @CNN @FoxNews @realDonaldTrump @RogerRice10 Refugees from Syria over 10k plus more coming. Lots young males, poorly vetted.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 19, 2016
A week after that, on September 26, he noted that Hillary Clinton’s interventions around the world, including Syria, were failures.
Hillary Clinton failed all over the world.
?LIBYA
?SYRIA
?IRAN
?IRAQ
?ASIA PIVOT
?RUSSIAN RESET
?BENGHAZI#DebateNight pic.twitter.com/e70AtE6lNR— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 27, 2016
October 4, 2016, he expressed a similar sentiment.
CLINTON’S FLAILING SYRIA POLICY WAS JUDGED A FAILURE:https://t.co/ICZxn7Q3vZ #VPDebate
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 5, 2016
Five days later, on October 9, 2016, Trump called Clinton out on her involvement once again.
FACT ?? on “red line” in Syria: HRC "I wasn’t there." Fact: line drawn in Aug ’12. HRC Secy of State til Feb ’13. https://t.co/4yZjH3TR5B
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 10, 2016
Getting to the current year, on January 15, he tweeted about the “red line” and “fake news.”
much worse – just look at Syria (red line), Crimea, Ukraine and the build-up of Russian nukes. Not good! Was this the leaker of Fake News?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2017
On February 12, after his executive order impacting immigration from seven nations, including Syria, Trump tweeted that 72% of refugees came to America from those countries.
72% of refugees admitted into U.S. (2/3 -2/11) during COURT BREAKDOWN are from 7 countries: SYRIA, IRAQ, SOMALIA, IRAN, SUDAN, LIBYA & YEMEN
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 12, 2017
On April 5, 2017, following a chemical attack that reportedly killed at least 72 people, Trump seemed to change his tune, calling the act an “affront to humanity” and asserting that his views on “Syria and the Assad regime have changed.”
Trump refused to say what he would do in response, however, again ridiculing the Obama administration and the military for announcing ahead of time that they intended to recapture Mosul.
Many others have questioned whether or not this was actually the act of another group, like the rebels. It appears questionable that Assad would commit such an atrocity on his own people after the White House had asserted their only goal in Syria was to combat Islamic terrorism, and not enact regime change.
“It makes no sense, even if you were totally separate from this and take no sides of this and you were just an analyst, it doesn’t make sense for Assad under these conditions to all of the sudden use poison gasses. I think it’s zero chance that he would have done this deliberately,” Ron Paul said on Wednesday.
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