Following the devastating chemical gas attack in Syria this week, President Donald Trump spoke out to condemn the “heinous” act and say that he changed his views on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. While speaking at a White House press conference alongside Jordan’s King Abdullah, the President said that the chemical gas attack “crossed a lot of lines” for him and he feels it is now his responsibility to act.
“Yesterday’s chemical attack, a chemical attack that was so horrific in Syria against innocent people, including women, small children and even beautiful little babies, their deaths were an affront to humanity,” Trump said while speaking in the Rose Garden on Wednesday.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that there is “no doubt” in their mind that the Syrian government led by the Assad regime is responsible for the attack. Tillerson also urged the Russians to rethink its support for the Syrian President.
“These heinous actions by the Assad regime cannot be tolerated,” the President continued. “The United States stands with our allies across the globe to condemn this horrific attack and all other horrific attacks, for that matter.”
Trump then went on to criticize former President Obama for his lack of action on Syria while he was still in office. In 2012, Obama issued a “red line” against the Assad regime, threatening military action if Assad used chemical weapons against his people. Despite Assad using chemical weapons and killing thousands with airstrikes during the country’s civil war, Obama never took action.
Trump said that Obama’s false red line “was a blank threat (that) set us back a long ways, not only in Syria but in many other parts of the world.”
“I now have responsibility, and I will have that responsibility and carry it very proudly,” Trump continued.
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