JD Vance reacts to Trump asking Syrian president ‘how many wives?’

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance has publicly praised President Donald Trump for what he described as an example of “amazing comedic timing” during a recent meeting with Syrian President Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa. 

The moment, which circulated widely on social media, prompted Vance to comment that “there are layers to it,” referring to Trump’s humor during the Oval Office exchange.

JD Vance applauds Trump’s comedic timing

While appearing during a “Make America Healthy Again” discussion with Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr, Vance referenced the viral video of Trump’s interaction with the Syrian president.

“I don’t know if you saw this video circulating on social media,” Vance began.

"He was like 'Well how many wives do you have?’ Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! And it’s just like, oh what an amazing question. Amazing comedic timing! There are layers to it, there’s like a metahumor to it, just anyway.”

Vance went on to add, “But we’ve got a lot of good humor in the cabinet.”

Trump redefining ties with Syria

Trump met with al-Sharaa in the Oval Office on Tuesday, November 11, marking the first official visit by a Syrian leader since 1946.

The encounter began with Trump reportedly spraying Al-Sharaa with a bottle of perfume, calling it “the best fragrance, and the other one is for your wife,” Trump said as he sprayed a dab of scent in Al-Sharaa’s direction.

Then he followed with a pointed question, “How many wives?” Al-Sharaa, momentarily taken aback, responded “one,” prompting a ripple of laughter from Trump and other officials at the White House.

Trump then quipped back, “With you guys, I never know!”

During the meeting, Trump remarked that he has a "good relationship with Al-Sharaa and expressed confidence in his ability to lead effectively."

Following the meeting, Trump posted on his Truth Social, “It was an Honor to spend time with Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, the new President of Syria, where we discussed all the intricacies of PEACE in the Middle East, of which he is a major advocate. I look forward to meeting and speaking again."

Underscoring his administration’s renewed engagement with Syria, Trump said, "Everyone is talking about the Great Miracle that is taking place in the Middle East. Having a stable and successful Syria is very important to all countries in the Region."

The visit came shortly after the United States announced a 180-day suspension of sanctions on Syria, signaling a significant change in relations between the two countries.