The White House isn’t going to be pushed around anymore. And the world has been put on notice.
Now Trump made a military announcement that put America’s enemies on their heels.
Trump’s Gaza Proposal Sparks Debate, White House Clarifies No U.S. Troops
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt made it clear Wednesday that President Donald Trump is not planning to send American troops into Gaza, despite his recent remarks suggesting the U.S. would “take over” the war-torn region.
“It’s been made very clear to the president that the United States needs to be involved in this rebuilding effort, to ensure stability in the region for all people,” Leavitt told reporters at a White House press briefing. “But that does not mean boots on the ground in Gaza. It does not mean American taxpayers will be funding this effort. It means Donald Trump, who is the best dealmaker on the planet, is going to strike a deal with our partners in the region.”
Leavitt praised Trump’s ability to think outside the box, calling him “a visionary leader who solves problems that many others, especially in this city, claim are unsolvable.”
The clarification came after Trump announced on Tuesday that the U.S. would assume a “long-term ownership position” in Gaza to stabilize the region.
“The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too,” Trump declared during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous, unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.”
Trump outlined a sweeping reconstruction plan, emphasizing economic development over continued conflict.
“Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area,” he said. “Do a real job. Do something different. Just can’t go back. If you go back, it’s going to end up the same way it has for 100 years.”
One of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s plan involves removing “all” Palestinians from Gaza, though Leavitt later clarified this would be a temporary measure during the rebuilding process.
“Again, it’s a demolition site right now,” she said. “It’s not a livable place for any human being. And I think it’s actually quite evil to suggest that people should live in such dire conditions.”
Backlash and Mixed Reactions
Trump’s proposal has triggered fierce opposition, particularly from Hamas, the Iranian-backed terrorist organization that currently controls Gaza.
“What President Trump stated about his intention to displace the residents of the Gaza Strip outside it and the United States’ control over the Strip by force is a crime against humanity,” a senior Hamas official told Fox News.
Democrats, predictably, erupted in outrage.
“I’m speechless, that’s insane,” said Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., in an interview with Jewish Insider. “I can’t think of a place on Earth that would welcome American troops less and where any positive outcome is less likely.”
Even some Republicans voiced hesitation. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., acknowledged the plan “might be problematic” but remained open-minded.
“We’ll see what our Arab friends say about that,” Graham said. “I think most South Carolinians would not be excited about sending Americans to take over Gaza.”
However, others were more receptive. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., brushed off the controversy, framing Trump’s remarks as part of his broader vision for peace.
“I think he wants to bring a more peaceful, secure Middle East and put some ideas out there,” Thune told reporters.
As Trump lays out his bold vision for the region, the world watches closely to see if his signature deal-making prowess can reshape one of the world’s most volatile areas.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
