Sen. Bernie Sanders has pledged to end “ endless wars ” — but on Sunday, the presidential hopeful was quick to put distance between his vision for American foreign policy and President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.

“The difference between Trump and me is he lies. I don’t,” the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate from Vermont said on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos." “You don’t turn your back on an ally that lost 11,000 troops fighting against terrorism through a tweet and a discussion with [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan."


A week ago, after a call with Erdogan, Trump abruptly announced he would withdraw U.S. troops from northeastern Syria. Prominent lawmakers on both sides of the aisle publicly disagreed with the decision, which allows Turkey to invade the area and hurt U.S.-allied Kurdish fighters who have been on the front line of the battle against ISIS.

On Wednesday, Turkey began the assault lawmakers feared, bombarding Kurdish forces and causing the White House to threaten sanctions.

Trump defended himself Thursday: “We have no soldiers or Military anywhere near the attack area. I am trying to end the ENDLESS WARS. Talking to both sides.”

Sanders called the decision an “outrage.” The senator said Sunday, “It’s not great secret: I am a strong opponent of endless wars.” He acknowledged his vigorous opposition to the war in Iraq, saying he predicted the destabilization that would take place.

But, Sanders added, dealing with Turkey and that region is “a whole other issue.”


“It sends a message to the entire world: 'You cannot trust the United States of America anymore, in foreign affairs,'” he said. “Doesn’t matter what the president says, because tomorrow he may reverse himself.”