Trump Tells War Hawks In Congress That He Now Agrees '100%' With Keeping Some Troops In Syria

Exclusive: 2 months after declaring all US troops are leaving Syria, President Trump wrote to members of Congress that he now agrees "100%" with keeping a military presence in Syria. https://t.co/U8lLHBjWh2

— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 5, 2019

A bipartisan group of Senators and Representatives wrote to Trump on Feb. 22, applauding his decision to keep a small residual force in Syria.

"We support a small American stabilizing force in Syria," the group wrote, adding that a force "which includes a small contingent of American troops and ground forces from our European allies, is essential to ensure stability and prevent the return of ISIS."

In a copy of the letter obtained by NBC News, Trump highlighted a paragraph in the letter about the U.S. goals in Syria, which said, "Like you, we seek to ensure that all of the gains made in Syria are not lost, that ISIS never returns, that Iran is not emboldened, and that we consolidate our gains and ensure the best outcome in Geneva for American interests."

"I agree 100%. ALL is being done," President Trump responded, writing directly on the letter and signing it.

Hasty withdrawal from #Syria will cause Kurds & SDF to end fight against ISIS & turns Syria over to Israel’s greatest enemies.

This is a terrible mistake.

It will have grave consequences for the U.S. & Israel & great benefit for ISIS, Iran & Hezbollahhttps://t.co/ljbwH0kIKO

— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) December 19, 2018

Donald Trump Is Bad for Israel via @NYTimes. Hopefully our President will reverse his decision to abandon Syria. https://t.co/nrZbhpV5Zj

— Jeb Bush (@JebBush) December 27, 2018

Death Knell For Syria Pullout: "We Have To Protect Israel" Says Trump https://t.co/BcWA4uxMaA

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) February 4, 2019