In a historic and controversial diplomatic move, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the White House on Monday, marking the first visit by a Syrian head of state in decades.

The meeting focused on Syria’s post-war reconstruction, counterterrorism cooperation, and the potential easing of U.S. sanctions following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

Al-Sharaa, 45, a former commander of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)—once linked to al-Qaeda and designated a terrorist organization by the U.S.—now leads Syria’s transitional authority, which controls much of the country’s northwest. In the Oval Office, he pledged to dismantle jihadist remnants and assist in resolving cases of missing Americans, including journalist Austin Tice, abducted in 2012.

President Trump, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, described al-Sharaa as a “partner in stability” and announced a $500 million aid package for humanitarian relief and infrastructure rebuilding. The funding is contingent on measurable progress in security and human rights. “Syria can be great again – we’re lifting sanctions step by step if you deliver,” Trump said, according to White House transcripts.

Al-Sharaa acknowledged his past affiliations but emphasized reform and partnership. “We seek partnership, not isolation – counterterrorism is our priority,” he stated through a translator.

The meeting drew sharp bipartisan reactions. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer condemned it as “reckless engagement with a terrorist,” while Republican Senator Lindsey Graham supported the move for its potential to strengthen counter-ISIS efforts. Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups expressed concern over HTS’s history of abuses and the risks to civilians.

The talks signal a pragmatic shift in U.S. policy toward Syria and could influence broader regional dynamics, including future negotiations involving Israel and Iran.