Tom Barrack is departing his position as US Special Envoy for Syria as the Trump administration transitions toward establishing complete diplomatic ties with Damascus.
The Lebanese-American real estate billionaire received his appointment in May 2025 following Washington’s announcement to remove major sanctions against Damascus, maintaining his dual role as US ambassador to Turkey throughout his envoy tenure.
The Associated Press reported earlier this year that congressional members received notification about the State Department’s plans to “implement a phased approach to potentially resume embassy operations in Syria,” suggesting Barrack’s departure could pave the way for reopening the closed Damascus embassy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that Barrack’s special envoy term was concluding and hinted the position would not continue.
“Ambassador Tom Barrak has played an invaluable role as our Special Envoy to Syria,” Rubio stated.
“While that title is expiring, he will continue to play a leading role for the Trump Administration in both Syria and Iraq, where his expertise, relationships, and understanding of the America First agenda will continue to deliver wins on behalf of our great country,” Rubio added.
A close associate of President Trump for many years, Barrack led Trump’s 2017 inauguration committee prior to accepting diplomatic duties.
Throughout his special envoy tenure, Barrack participated in crucial elements of US strategy regarding Syria after Bashar Assad’s removal from power. His responsibilities encompassed managing sanctions relief efforts, reconstruction projects involving Turkey and Gulf nations, and collaboration against the Islamic State terrorist organization. He additionally facilitated negotiations between Syria’s government and Kurdish-led groups while supporting measures to strengthen Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration and expand US diplomatic relations with Damascus.
Following his 17 May meeting with al-Sharaa in Damascus, Barrack characterized Syria as “a laboratory for a new regional alliance based on diplomacy, integration and hope for the entire region”.
His service also faced opposition. In Lebanon, his comments encouraging journalists to conduct themselves in a “civilized” rather than “animalistic” fashion during a press briefing generated controversy. Syrian-Kurdish leadership also criticized him for adopting an overly “pro-Damascus” stance and applying pressure on Kurdish organizations to accept conditions promoted by al-Sharaa.
Barrack represents the fourth US special envoy to Syria over the previous 12 years. The United States has not designated an ambassador to Syria since Stephen Ford, whose service lasted from December 2011 through February 2014.
