US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday that Tom Barrack would continue helping shape Washington's policy on Syria and Iraq despite stepping down as US special envoy to Syria.
In a post on X, Rubio praised Barrack's work and signalled that the US ambassador to Turkey would retain a prominent role in the Trump administration's regional strategy.
"Ambassador Tom Barrack has played an invaluable role as our Special Envoy to Syria. While this title has come to an end, he will continue to serve in a pivotal role for the Trump Administration in both Syria and Iraq," Rubio wrote.
"His expertise, relationships, and understanding of the America First agenda will continue to deliver gains for our great country."
Barrack, a Lebanese-American real estate billionaire and longtime ally of US President Donald Trump, chaired Trump's 2017 inauguration committee.
Although he held no formal government position during Trump's first term, he remained a close adviser and sought to advance commercial initiatives in the Middle East, including nuclear energy projects in Saudi Arabia.
During Trump's second term, Barrack was appointed US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria and Iraq. He has played a central role in the administration's Syria policy, including efforts that contributed to the lifting of US sanctions on Damascus.
The announcement comes months after the Trump administration informed Congress of plans to move forward with reopening the US embassy in Damascus, which has remained closed since 2012 during the uprising against former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad.
According to the Associated Press , a notification sent to congressional committees said the move formed part of "implementing a phased approach toward a possible resumption of embassy operations in Syria".
Barrack has emerged as one of the strongest advocates within the administration for engagement with Syria's new leadership following the fall of Assad.
Following a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on 17 May, Barrack described Syria as "a laboratory for a new regional alliance based on diplomacy, integration and hope for the entire region".
The envoy said that a meeting between Trump and al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia had opened a new chapter in relations, marked by the lifting of sanctions and giving Syria an opportunity to achieve "greatness".
"It is a bold and hopeful gesture for Syria and the region," Barrack wrote.
"Under President al-Sharaa's leadership, and through the sincere diplomacy of Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani, the progress achieved has been remarkable. The opportunities ahead promise accelerated progress for the Syrian people and lasting stability."
Barrack has also highlighted ongoing talks between the Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), describing them as part of Syria's historic transformation.
He stressed the importance of dialogue, institution-building and a shared commitment to "a stable, peaceful and unified Syria" for all its people.