A Syrian couple in the central province of Homs has named their newborn son Trump Ahmed Al Sattouf, in tribute to former US President Donald Trump and to the celebrated end of the US sanctions on Damascus, Gulf News reported on Tuesday.
As per the report, the unusual gesture follows Trump’s recent announcement to lift certain US sanctions on Syria during his high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. The story quickly went viral across local and regional media, drawing a mix of admiration, satire and debate.
“In parts of the Arab world, it is not uncommon for families to name their children after political leaders or celebrities, often as a gesture of gratitude, admiration or hope for a better future,” the report added.
According to the baby’s father, the decision to name their son after Trump was an expression of gratitude and optimism. “We’ve suffered for too long. Maybe this is a sign that things will change,” he was quoted as saying in a local interview.
Whether the name will bring luck or lasting attention remains to be seen, but for now, Trump Ahmed Al Sattouf has already made headlines across the region.
Syria has lived under various layers of US sanctions since 1979, when it was designated a state sponsor of terrorism. These sanctions intensified dramatically after the country’s civil war began in 2011, with further restrictions added through the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act in 2019. The sanctions have targeted senior officials, financial networks, and entire sectors of the Syrian economy.
As a result, ordinary Syrians have struggled with soaring poverty, inflation, and widespread shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.
During his recent Gulf diplomatic tour, which included stops in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Trump announced the easing of specific US sanctions on Syria, particularly those affecting humanitarian trade and some financial transactions. While broad restrictions remain in place, the announcement marked the most significant policy shift in years.
