US President Donald Trump’s candid nature once again drew attention during his recent meeting with Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara at the White House. In a moment that quickly went viral online, Trump presented Al-Shara with a perfume bottle, saying it would suit him and his wife. He then playfully asked the Syrian leader how many wives he had. When Al-Shara replied that he had only one, Trump jokingly expressed disbelief, sparking laughter among those present. The video of their exchange has since been widely circulated on social media.
The meeting marked a historic occasion, as President Ahmad Al-Shara became the first Syrian head of state to visit Washington since Syria gained independence in 1946. The visit was viewed as a potential step toward improving diplomatic relations between the two nations, which have remained tense for decades.
‘How many wives? One?’ Trump asks Syria’s new leader in White House — video
Trump gifted Al-Shaar perfume and went on to SPRAY him with it
‘This is the best fragrance! And the other one is for your wife’
Al-Sharaa assured Trump he only has one wife. Vibe check passed, too pic.twitter.com/SAjO6Vc8GH
— RT (@RT_com) November 12, 2025
Al-Shara’s past, however, adds an intriguing backdrop to the visit. Before the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, he reportedly joined Al-Qaeda and participated in the Iraqi insurgency, which led to his detention by American forces for several years. His presence in Washington has therefore generated considerable political discussion about shifting US foreign policy dynamics in the Middle East.