Social media platforms across India and the world are buzzing with reactions to an unexpected moment between US President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during their historic meeting at the White House. The viral moment occurred on Monday, November 10, 2025, marking the first visit by a Syrian leader since the country gained independence from France in 1946.
The Viral Exchange That Captured Global Attention
During the meeting, President Trump presented the Syrian leader with two bottles of perfume as gifts. The American president handed one bottle directly to al-Sharaa and offered another specifically for his wife. What happened next set social media ablaze: Trump jokingly asked the Syrian president "how many wives" he had, prompting widespread reactions online.
The video clip quickly went viral, with one netizen humorously commenting: "If he tried something like that with Putin he'd be tackled to the floor, lights out lol." This comparison to how Russian President Vladimir Putin might have reacted added another layer to the online discussion.
From Terrorist to Presidential Guest: Al-Sharaa's Remarkable Journey
The meeting itself represented a dramatic turnaround in US-Syria relations. Ahmed al-Sharaa, 43, who now leads Syria, was once a top Al-Qaeda commander branded as a terrorist by the United States. Prior to his political transformation, he carried a $10 million bounty on his head from US authorities.
Al-Sharaa came to power last year following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Russia with his family in December after rebel forces overthrew his regime. This transition ended a brutal 13-year civil war that began with pro-democracy protests and involved multiple foreign powers including Russia, Iran, the US, and Turkey.
Substantive Discussions Behind the Viral Moment
Beyond the lighthearted exchange, the leaders engaged in significant diplomatic discussions. According to Bloomberg reports, al-Sharaa secured additional sanctions relief and committed Syria to join the US-led coalition against the Islamic State.
The timing coincided with the US extending its pause on sanctions against Syria for another 180 days. While President Trump has currently waived the Caesar Act sanctions, any permanent repeal would require Congressional action.
During their talks, the Syrian president presented Trump with replicas of ancient Syrian artifacts, describing them as representing "the first alphabet in history, the first stamp in history, the first musical note, and the first customs tariff."
President Trump indicated that further announcements regarding Syria would be forthcoming, though he didn't elaborate on specific details during their public appearance.
