A Democratic congressman stunned Washington by praising Trump’s Middle East diplomacy, citing unexpected success with Syria and shifting regional dynamics.
At a Glance
- Democrat Jim Himes praised Trump’s foreign policy in the Middle East
- Trump met with Syria’s interim president and lifted long-standing U.S. sanctions
- Himes credited Trump’s diplomacy with influencing Israel’s regional posture
- Former Biden officials also acknowledged Trump’s dovish strategy
- Rare bipartisan recognition may signal a shift in foreign policy debate
Trump’s Syria Gamble Earns Unexpected Applause
In a rare moment of bipartisan recognition, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) publicly praised President Donald Trump’s recent Middle East diplomacy, saying Trump has “played the Middle East pretty darn well.” Speaking at Politico’s Security Summit, Himes acknowledged that Trump’s unorthodox moves—including lifting sanctions on Syria and meeting with its interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa—have defied expectations.
The diplomatic pivot marked the first high-level contact between U.S. and Syrian leadership in more than 25 years. Trump’s engagement with al-Sharaa is being interpreted as a bold bid to lower regional tensions and realign U.S. influence in the volatile region. This unexpected thaw contrasts sharply with past administrations’ hardline stances, raising questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic isolation.
Watch a report: Democratic Rep Praises Trump’s Middle East Strategy.
Himes, a frequent Trump critic, admitted the former president “exceeded [his] expectations” in recent weeks. His remarks underscore how Trump’s approach is not just being embraced by his base but is also gaining cautious approval from across the aisle.
Party Lines Blurred by Diplomacy
The reaction from Washington insiders has been equally eye-opening. Jonathan Martin of Politico noted the irony of Democrats applauding Trump for taking a more dovish stance than some of his own Republican colleagues. While Trump has often championed military strength, his current strategy favors engagement over escalation, particularly in dealing with Syria and Iran.
This deviation from traditional GOP hawkishness appears to be shifting the conversation on foreign policy. Trump’s latest overtures may have even helped recalibrate Israel’s approach to Iran and Gaza, as Himes subtly implied. Such influence from a figure known for disrupting diplomatic norms is a surprising turn, even for Washington’s most seasoned observers.
Quiet Praise from the Biden Camp
Further deepening the intrigue, former officials from the Biden administration have quietly echoed Himes’ praise. Their acknowledgment suggests a growing consensus that Trump’s unorthodox, even impulsive, foreign policy instincts sometimes yield effective results. While many remain skeptical of Trump’s methods, his recent pivot has drawn grudging respect from corners previously closed off to any form of approval.
This rare moment of bipartisan accord highlights a broader truth: successful diplomacy often transcends party lines. In a polarized climate, the willingness to acknowledge results, regardless of the source, could serve as a model for more pragmatic and less combative policy conversations moving forward. Whether fleeting or foundational, this unexpected chorus of praise may be signaling a reset in how global strategy is debated in U.S. politics.
