House Democrat Praises Trump Middle East Policy Amid Syria Sanctions Lift

President Donald Trump's recent Middle East diplomatic efforts, including meetings with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and lifting sanctions on Syria, have earned rare bipartisan praise, notably from Democratic Rep. Jim Himes and other lawmakers. Himes, typically critical of Trump, acknowledged that the president has handled the Middle East "pretty darn well," helping to cool tensions between Israel and Iran and offering Syria a chance for renewed engagement. Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Representative Sara Jacobs also welcomed the lifting of sanctions on Syria, viewing it as a necessary adjustment following the fall of the Assad regime. This limited bipartisan support reflects a cautious but hopeful reset in U.S. policy toward Syria, motivated by both geopolitical and humanitarian concerns. However, this praise stands in contrast to the broader Democratic opposition to Trump’s policies, with many still critical of his overall foreign policy and political stance. Despite the divisiveness, Trump's overture in the Middle East marks a notable moment of cross-party approval in an otherwise polarized political climate.