Trump wants out of Syria, but don't say 'timeline'

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump's insistence that his team find a way to pull U.S. troops out of Syria by the fall came with an explicit caveat: whatever you do, don't call it a "timeline."

Five administration officials tell The Associated Press that Trump set a five-to-six month deadline for pulling out, even after top aides implored him to allow more time. But Trump is wary of announcing a timeline. He's long criticized former President Barack Obama and others for telegraphing military plans in advance.

The officials say Trump hammered his aides in a Tuesday meeting about U.S. dollars spent in the Middle East, telling them the U.S. got "noting" for the lives and money expended in Syria in particular.

The officials weren't authorized to discuss internal deliberations and requested anonymity.