In a remarkable diplomatic encounter that has captured global attention, former US President Donald Trump hosted Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the White House in a meeting marked by unexpected warmth and personal gestures toward the former militant leader.
Secret Entrance and Avoided Questions
The Syrian president arrived through a side entrance of the White House on November 13, 2025, deliberately avoiding journalists who had prepared probing questions about his controversial past. Ahmad al-Sharaa, who until recently was classified by the United States as a specially designated global terrorist, entered the Oval Office without facing the press corps.
This discreet arrival contrasted sharply with the candid moments that would follow, as a private video revealed the unusual nature of the greeting between the two leaders. The meeting represented a significant milestone in Sharaa's transformation from militant figure to recognized head of state.
Perfume Spraying and Light-Hearted Banter
The video footage showed Donald Trump engaging in personal gestures that surprised many observers. Trump produced a bottle of his own branded cologne and proceeded to spray it on the visibly reluctant Syrian leader, while declaring it the best men's fragrance available.
This physical interaction was followed by Trump inquiring about Sharaa's marital status, joking about how many wives the Syrian president maintained. Sharaa laughed at the reference to Islamic polygamy and confirmed he had only one wife, prompting Trump to respond with a smile and a slap on the arm, remarking With you guys, I never know.
Stark Contrast to Troubled Past
The lighthearted atmosphere of the November 2025 meeting stood in dramatic contrast to Ahmad al-Sharaa's previous encounters with American authorities. Decades earlier, Sharaa had been detained at the notorious Abu Ghraib military prison in Iraq, a facility known for human rights abuses during the US occupation.
His journey from prisoner to president, and now to receiving what appeared to be a warm welcome at the White House, represents one of the most extraordinary political transformations in recent Middle Eastern history. The meeting signals potential shifts in US-Syrian relations despite Sharaa's former designation as an al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist.
The unusual exchange between the two leaders, complete with perfume spraying and personal jokes, has generated significant international reaction and raised questions about the future of diplomatic engagement with former adversaries.
