The possibility of testing Trump's commitment to ending "forever wars" arises with Syria being controlled by jihadist groups.

President-elect Trump is preparing for his second term in the White House amidst the recent fall of Assad's regime in Syria, a critical event that may challenge his pledges to reduce U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts or increase the number of American troops in these countries.

Trump is not backing down on his promises to prioritize domestic issues and avoid foreign entanglements, with six weeks left before he takes office.

The testing of Trump's pledges to withdraw U.S. troops from foreign lands may occur in Syria, where the current situation differs significantly from what it was during his initial term, making the country vulnerable to exploitation by other foreign powers, including governments or terrorist groups.

Trump advised on Truth Social that the conflict in Damascus was not their fight and urged caution, saying, "Let it play out. Do not get involved."

In 2025, the foreign policy situation that Trump will inherit in the Middle East could be more complex than he initially anticipated during his first term.

In Paris, where he attended the grand reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral, Trump remarked to leaders earlier this week that "it certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now."

In 2019, Trump's actions in Syria were insufficient, and they could be so again today.

Current status

The rapid takeover of major cities by rebel forces in Syria caught many off guard, including experienced analysts and diplomats.

John Kirby, the White House National Security communications advisor, stated earlier this week that it is currently an "open question" who is currently in charge in Syria.

The collapse of Assad's regime has created many power vacuums, which could be exploited by other governments and adversaries.

Following Assad's departure to Moscow, senior Biden administration officials emphasized that the U.S. will only play a supporting role and not dictate the future of Syria, stating, "We are not creating a blueprint for Syria's future from Washington."

Syrians were responsible for the fall of Assad, according to the administration official.

It's unclear whether Trump will view the situation in the same manner as this person who believes the United States can offer assistance and is prepared to do so.

Trump's first term

In October 2019, Trump declared the withdrawal of U.S. troops from northeastern Syria, which was met with criticism from diplomats and foreign policy analysts who warned that it could destabilize the region and increase the uncertainty in the already volatile nation.

Currently, the region where U.S., British, and French troops were previously stationed to combat Islamic State activity is no longer stable. Despite this, Trump's team does not dispute the change in circumstances.

Unlike his first White House transition, Trump's preparations for a second presidential term have been meticulously planned, organized, and policy-focused. This is evident from his announcement of nominations for most Cabinet positions and diplomats, as well as the release of policy blueprints outlining the administration's plans for governing over the next four years.

""Our adversaries who believe this is a chance to exploit the differences between administrations are mistaken, and we, as a team with the United States, are united during this transition," Rep. Mike Waltz, Trump's pick for national security adviser, stated in an interview with Planet Chronicle after Trump's election in November."