Senator Ernst Releases Strong Statement Against U.S. Withdraw from Syria

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran, released the following statement following President Trump’s statement that U.S. troops are being withdrawn from Syria and that ISIS has been defeated:

“I am deeply concerned with the administration’s decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria.  Our mission there is to defeat ISIS, and that is yet to be accomplished.  We committed to our partners on the ground to see this fight to the end, and we are now turning our back on their good faith efforts and sacrifices.  Our departure will only serve to encourage a reemergence of ISIS, embolden Russia, encourage Iran’s malign activity, and deter partners in the Middle East from cooperating with the United States.  I have been engaged with White House officials, and I will be seeking a meeting with President Trump to convey my strong opposition to the withdrawal,” said Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA).

Background:

On December 19, 2018, President Trump tweeted that “We have defeated ISIS in Syria, my only reason for being there during the Trump Presidency.”  Senator Ernst has reached out to the White House and requested an in-person meeting with President Trump to outline her concerns with a U.S. troop withdraw from Syria.

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