Trump dismisses Kurds, Dems walk out

WASHINGTON — Washing his hands of Syria, President Donald Trump declared Wednesday that the U.S. has no stake in defending the Kurdish fighters who died by the thousands as America’s partners against Islamic State extremists. Hours later, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other top Democrats walked out of a meeting at the White House, accusing the president of having a “meltdown,” calling Pelosi a “third-rate politician” and having no plan to deal with a potentially revived ISIS.

Condemnation of Trump’s stance on Turkey, Syria and the Kurds was quick and severe during the day, not only from Democrats but from Republicans who have been staunch supporters of Trump on virtually all other issues.

The House banded together for an overwhelming 354-60 denunciation of the U.S. troop withdrawal. Many lawmakers expressed worry that the withdrawal may lead to the revival of ISIS as well as renewed Russian presence and influence in the area — in addition to the slaughter of many Kurds.

In a tweet, Rep. Steve Stivers, R-upper Arlington, a brigadier general in the Ohio National Guard, rebuked Trump. “The chaos and violence that has resulted from this misguided decision is no way to repay our partners in the fight against ISIS,” Stivers wrote of the Kurds.

All of Ohio’s House members voted in favor of the resolution except for Rep. Jim Jordan, R-urbana, and Rep. Warren Davidson, R-troy. Bob Gibbs, R-lakeville, voted present.

At the White House, Trump said the U.S. has no business in the region — and not to worry about the Kurdish fighters.

“Syria’s friendly with the Kurds. The Kurds are very well-protected. Plus, they know how to fight. And, by the way, they’re no angels,” Trump told reporters at the White House while meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.