Faith Leaders Urge Trump to Confront Syria’s Al-Sharaa Over Religious Persecution

As President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, dozens of American faith leaders are urging him to take a stand not just for diplomacy, but for the lives of religious minorities being brutalized under al-Sharaa’s regime.

In a powerful letter delivered Friday, religious advocates from across the country are calling on Trump to demand immediate humanitarian access to southern Syria, specifically the besieged Suwayda region. The area, home to a majority Druze population and smaller groups of Christians and Alawites, has been suffering under a partial blockade by Syrian government forces since July.

“These religious minorities face ongoing violence, death, displacement, starvation, and water and medical deprivation,” the letter states. “All while innocent women and children are held hostage by ISIS terrorists.”

The crisis is intensifying. Reports show disturbing acts of violence committed by government-linked forces and Sunni militias against the Druze, a peaceful monotheistic community. Videos document executions, families being forced to jump from balconies, and mass killings. The Supreme Druze Religious Council has formally accused the Syrian regime of genocide and crimes against humanity, citing torture, sexual violence, and hybrid warfare tactics disguised as anti-terror operations.

What’s more troubling? Syrian President al-Sharaa once designated a global terrorist with a $10 million U.S. bounty on his head is now being welcomed into the international fold. Last week, the U.S. Treasury Department removed his terror designation, just one day after the United Nations lifted its sanctions, signaling an intent to engage with Syria’s “new” leadership after the fall of Bashar al-Assad.

Yet the violence hasn’t stopped. Faith leaders are demanding accountability before diplomacy. Among the signatories:

• Dr. Ben Carson

• Tony Perkins (Family Research Council)

• Matthew Faraci (National Association of Christian Lawmakers)

• Former Ambassador Sam Brownback

• Dede Laugesen (Save the Persecuted Christians)

They’re asking Trump to pressure al-Sharaa to open a secure humanitarian corridor from Hader to Suwayda, enabling aid to flow freely to the starving, sick, and displaced. With winter approaching, time is running out.

Faith leaders praise Trump’s record on global religious liberty particularly his tough stance on Christian persecution in Nigeria. His designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy. Even pop culture figures like Nicki Minaj have applauded Trump’s blunt, unapologetic advocacy for Christians facing slaughter by Islamic extremists.

“President Trump’s bold actions have already saved countless lives,” said Dede Laugesen. “But the forgotten minorities of Syria cannot wait.”

Matthew Faraci adds: “President Trump is giving Syria a shot at a fresh start but it must include religious freedom protections. So far, al-Sharaa hasn’t kept his end of the deal.”

The Biden-era foreign policy bureaucracy would have bent over backwards to appease Syria’s tyrants. But Trump doesn’t operate like that. He negotiates from strength, not apology. He speaks for the voiceless and takes action where others waffle.

As one faith leader put it: “You were ordained for such a time as this.”

And that time is now.

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