Trump Calls Turkey Key Player in Post-Assad Syria

The president-elect described Turkey's role in Syria as a 'hostile takeover' and suggested U.S. troops may not need to remain in the region.

Donald Trump, at a Mar-a-Lago press conference, labeled Turkey's involvement in Syria as a 'hostile takeover' following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels.
Trump implied Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan orchestrated the power shift and described him as a 'very smart guy,' though he avoided naming him directly.
The Turkish government has expressed its intent to support the new Syrian leadership militarily while prioritizing the removal of Kurdish forces from the region.
Trump was noncommittal about withdrawing the 900 U.S. troops currently stationed in Syria, stating he does not want soldiers killed but does not anticipate immediate action being necessary.
He provided vague responses on U.S. policy toward Iran and Israel, emphasizing ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages in Gaza before his inauguration on January 20.