Al-Sharaa, formerly a senior commander and ex-leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), became Syria’s president following the fall of Bashar al-Assad in December.
Trump’s meeting with the Al-Sharaa comes as he announces the lifting of longstanding US sanctions on Syria, stating the country deserves “a chance at greatness.”
The decision to meet al-Sharaa was reportedly encouraged by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Trump’s comments came during an investment forum in Riyadh, where he appeared alongside bin Salman and unveiled a $142 billion US-Saudi arms deal and AI investments worth $20 billion.
Trump is also participating in high-level talks with leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
The Qatar leg of the trip, however, has sparked political backlash in Washington over reports that Trump may accept a $400 million Boeing 747-8 from Qatar to serve as Air Force One.
Trump defended the move, calling it a “gift” that would save taxpayers money, though critics warn it raises ethical and constitutional concerns.
Qatar has played a key role in mediating conflicts in the region, including the Israel-Hamas war and US-Taliban talks.
Trump will conclude his Gulf tour with a final visit to Abu Dhabi later this week.