San Francisco – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement following President Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Northern Syria:

“The President’s decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Northern Syria is a deeply disturbing development that betrays our Kurdish allies who have been instrumental partners in our mission to eradicate ISIS.  Despite what the President might say, ISIS remains a serious threat.  This reckless, misguided decision undermines the efforts by our brave servicemembers and our allies to end ISIS’s tyranny.

“Once again, President Trump is deserting an ally in a foolish attempt to appease an authoritarian strongman.  By turning operational responsibility over to the Turks, President Trump has abandoned our Kurdish partners.  This decision poses a dire threat to regional security and stability, and sends a dangerous message to Iran and Russia, as well as our allies, that the United States is no longer a trusted partner.

“The President must reverse this dangerous decision.  The American people deserve a smart, strong and strategic national security policy that keeps America safe.”