U.S. State Department: Trump Administration Backs Lifting “Caesar Act” Sanctions on Syria

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State said that President Donald Trump’s administration supports lifting the sanctions imposed on Syria under the “Caesar Act,” as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) currently under discussion in Congress.

The spokesperson explained that the United States maintains regular contact with its regional partners, emphasizing that Washington “welcomes any investment or engagement in Syria that contributes to building a peaceful and prosperous state.”

This position comes as the White House intensifies pressure on U.S. lawmakers to lift the remaining sanctions on Damascus, warning that their continuation could weaken the Syrian Transitional Government, which the current administration views as a key pillar of its regional strategy.

President Trump had already lifted most U.S. sanctions on Syria through an executive order issued after Ahmed al-Sharaa assumed the presidency in December, though the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act remains in effect, as its repeal requires Congressional approval.

The law, enacted in 2020, was designed to hold the former Syrian regime accountable for widespread abuses against civilians and targets institutions and individuals supporting the Syrian military and state industries.

In remarks to reporters, U.S. Envoy to Syria Tom Brack said that “The Caesar Act served its moral purpose against Assad, but today it is suffocating a nation trying to rise from the rubble,” calling for “one of the most significant reconstruction efforts since post–World War II Europe.”

The latest draft of the NDAA includes a provision to repeal the Caesar Act, while requiring the U.S. president to certify every six months that the Syrian Transitional Government adheres to specific conditions — including refraining from military action against Israel and expelling foreign fighters from the country.

According to the report, the legislation is expected to be finalized and sent to President Trump for signature before the end of the year.

Earlier, Envoy Tom Brack had called on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to “reach an understanding with the government in Damascus,” emphasizing that “President Trump’s vision is to give Syria a new chance.”

He added: “We want a united Syria and a constitution that guarantees a parliament representing all components — not a sectarian state, nor a separate entity for the SDF.”

Brack stressed that lifting sanctions has given Syrians hope for a new phase of reconstruction and development.