Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on Trump’s Syria Policy
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) issued the following statement:
"Last night's announcement that the United States would be abandoning the Kurds is another stark reminder that "America First" means "America Alone."
"President Trump attacks the very people and relationships most needed to ensure our security. He throws his own people under the bus — even his Defense Department, who were reportedly blindsided by this announcement. The President eats his own.
"There is no starker example than northern Syria of good versus evil in today's world. Our Kurdish allies fought like hell and died in large numbers to push back ISIS' so-called caliphate. Their homes and families were systematically targeted by murderers stuck in the Dark Ages. When the Iraqi Army collapsed, the Kurds were the ones who took the full brunt of ISIS' attack on civilization. Not us. Not the Turks. Kurds.
"We can have policy differences in Washington. That's normal, and this issue is no different. But the United States can and must always stand with its friends, especially when not standing by them will lead to their immediate deaths, the reinvigoration of ISIS, and the collapse of American credibility.
"I urge the President to reconsider and take steps to ensure that our Kurdish allies remain safe. And I look forward to the day when the United States is once again a beacon of hope for the free peoples of the world."
Rep. Ruben Gallego is a Marine Corps combat veteran. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee.