Speaking to troops in Iraq on Dec. 26, Trump defended his controversial decision last week to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria. (The Washington Post)
President Trump had faced much criticism since assuming office two years ago for not visiting American troops deployed overseas, especially given how often he claims to care about the military.
Then Trump made an unannounced visit to Iraq on Wednesday, his first to a conflict zone as commander in chief. It was to be a shining moment. But a slew of less-favorable news involving the White House could limit the political gains that he and his aides probably hoped would accrue from the visit — especially headlines that speak to his relationship with the military.
Looming large was his abrupt decision last week to withdraw about 2,000 U.S. troops deployed in Syria. The move brought significant criticism from foreign policy experts, military officials and allies who disagree with his belief that the United States’ role in fighting the Islamic State militant group should end.
View this complete December 27 article by Eugene Scott on The Washington Post website here.