During a cabinet meeting on Monday following his promise to impose a “heavy price” on the Syrian government after it was accused of launching a chemical attack this weekend, President Donald Trump declared that no options — including military action — are “off the table” when it comes to a possible US response.
Asked by a reporter if increased military involvement in Syria is being considered, Trump said, “Nothing’s off the table.”
Watch:
Pres. Trump: “Nothing’s off the table” in response to suspected Syria chemical attack, including U.S. military actions. https://t.co/RQ6BfFqz9w pic.twitter.com/3E9x9mUPcx
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) April 9, 2018
With new national security adviser and warmonger John Bolton looming in the background, Trump also informed the press that, despite not knowing who exactly is responsible for the attack, “major decisions” on possible US military retaliation will be made in the next 24 to 48 hours. Trump was scheduled to meet with generals last evening.
“You don’t see things like that, as bad as the news is around the world,” Trump claimed. “If it’s the Russians, if it’s Syria, if it’s Iran, if it’s all of them together, we’ll figure it out.”
As Common Dreams reported, Iran and Russia have both warned that the horrifying images and reported casualties from the chemical attack could be used as a pretext for US and others to escalate their military operations in Syria.
Watch Trump’s remarks:
President Trump condemns the “atrocious” suspected chemical attack on Syrian civilians and says the US “will be making some major decisions over the next 24-48 hours” https://t.co/lrXGJfbDTw
— CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) April 9, 2018
Join us in defending the truth before it’s too late
The future of independent journalism is uncertain, and the consequences of losing it are too grave to ignore. To ensure Truthout remains safe, strong, and free, we need to raise $31,000 in the next 48 hours. Every dollar raised goes directly toward the costs of producing news you can trust.
Please give what you can — because by supporting us with a tax-deductible donation, you’re not just preserving a source of news, you’re helping to safeguard what’s left of our democracy.