Trump ’emboldened’ Syria chemical attack by talking U.S. troop withdrawal: John McCain

Sen. John McCain says President Donald Trump “emboldened” the Syrian government to commit a suspected chemical attack on its people by signaling last week that the U.S. planned to withdraw its troops from the country.

The Arizona Republican said Sunday that Syrian President Bashar Assad and his Russian and Iranian supporters heard Trump and, “emboldened by American inaction, Assad has reportedly launched another chemical attack against innocent men, women and children.”

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Opposition activists and rescuers say Saturday’s attack in Douma killed at least 40 people. Assad’s government has denied responsibility.

McCain says Trump “responded decisively” last year by targeting a Syrian air base with cruise missiles after a poison gas attack. McCain urged Trump to respond decisively again to “demonstrate that Assad will pay a price for his war crimes.”

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