US: “How many wives do you have?” – Trump’s Surprising Question to the Syrian President at the White House
In a historic and unexpected turn of diplomacy, US President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House on Monday, marking the first-ever visit by a Syrian leader to the United States. The high-profile meeting drew global attention—not just for its political implications but also for a light-hearted moment that quickly became the highlight of the event.
This encounter was the second meeting between the two leaders in 2025, following their earlier discussions in Saudi Arabia in May. What made this meeting even more remarkable is that only a few years ago, Ahmed al-Sharaa had been branded a terrorist by the US, with a $10 million bounty on his head. However, the dramatic shift in relations between Washington and Damascus has led to al-Sharaa’s removal from the terrorist list and his invitation as an official guest at the White House—a move that would have seemed impossible not long ago.
A Fragrant Gesture Turns Into Humor
During the meeting, President Trump presented a special gift to the Syrian leader—a bottle of perfume. In a friendly gesture, Trump opened the bottle himself and applied a little on President al-Sharaa, saying, “This is the best perfume. One is for you, and the other is for your wife.” Then, in his signature humorous tone, Trump asked with a smile, “How many wives do you have?” The Syrian President chuckled and replied, “One.” The room erupted in laughter, adding a rare moment of levity to the otherwise formal diplomatic engagement.
Strategic Talks and Future Possibilities
Beyond the light-hearted exchange, the meeting carried significant geopolitical weight. According to sources, the US is considering establishing a military base in Syria, a topic believed to have been discussed during the talks. The proposed base may be located near Damascus, signaling a major potential shift in Middle Eastern military dynamics.
This meeting signifies a new chapter in US–Syria relations, with both sides exploring avenues for cooperation after years of hostility. For many political observers, the image of Trump and al-Sharaa sharing laughter in the White House symbolizes how unpredictable—and transformative—global diplomacy can be.