
President Donald Trump's sudden decision to fire missiles at a Syrian air base last night—which marks the first direct action the U.S. has taken against Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad since the country's civil war began—has surprised and scrambled Washington.
It looks like Opposite Day in D.C., actually: Some of Trump's biggest critics—Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and John McCain (R-AZ)—came out in favor of the airstrikes. In a joint statement, they said "Unlike the previous administration, President Trump confronted a pivotal moment in Syria and took action. For that, he deserves the support of the American people."
Far-right Conservative Ann Coulter has even criticized the move.
The move also met with a positive response from several Middle Eastern countries that Trump has held tense relationships with. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey all came out in favor of the airstrikes, with a Turkish official calling them "a positive response to the Assad regime's war crimes."
And then some of Trump's biggest allies are coming out against him. Ann Coulter, a longtime supporter of The Donald and author of the book In Trump We Trust, criticized the move.
Those who wanted us meddling in the Middle East voted for other candidates.April 7, 2017
Republican Senator Rand Paul also tweeted his opposition, writing "While we all condemn the atrocities in Syria, the United States was not attacked." He continued by pointing out that the president needs congressional approval for military action (which Trump neither requested nor received).
And one of Trump's most positive (if not controversial) international relationships now seems frayed: the Kremlin immediately condemned the strikes. Viktor Ozerov, head of the defense committee in Russia's Federation Council told Russian state news agency RIA that "co-operation between the Russian and U.S. militaries may be shut down after the U.S. strike." Bashar Assad is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has since announced that Moscow is suspending a memorandum with the United States that prevents mid-air conflict with U.S. forces in Syria. This policy change could hurt U.S. troops, some of whom have credited the memorandum with keeping them safe.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Rihanna Wore a Diamond Toe Ring Worth $1 Million in the Name of "Quiet Luxury"
I see what she did there.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Supermodel Elsa Hosk Just Wore the Most Bananas Optical Illusion Dress in Cannes
I LOVE IT SO MUCH.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
I'm a Professional Shopper—Here's What's Worth Your Money from Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale
Thousands of items from Nordstrom's best-selling brands are on sale—think Madewell, Vince, Dolce Vita, and many more.
By Emma Childs
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If Reelected
Kathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
By Emily Tisch Sussman
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So Critical
As we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun Safety
The Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
By Sen. Tammy Duckworth
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.
Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
By Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, hosts of Pantsuit Politics Podcast
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to Know
The case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
By Megan DiTrolio
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.
Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
By Dr. Devin J. Buckley and Erin Regan
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water
"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
By Amanda L. As Told To Rachel Epstein