Key Developments During Trump’s Third Week in Office

Key Developments During Trump’s Third Week in Office

President Donald Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House this Tuesday, marking an important diplomatic engagement in Trump’s second term. This visit stands out as the inaugural meeting with a foreign leader under his administration.

Plans for the Gaza Strip and Regional Stability

During Netanyahu’s visit, Trump shared ambitious proposals, indicating that the U.S. might assume control over the Gaza Strip to promote stability in the region. In a joint press conference, Trump stated, “The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too. We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous, unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.” This assertion has sparked significant discussions regarding U.S. involvement in Middle Eastern affairs.

Despite this proposal, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that President Trump would not commit to deploying U.S. troops on the ground in Gaza. She affirmed, “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. However, that does not mean boots on the ground in Gaza. It means Donald Trump, who is the best dealmaker on the planet, is going to strike a deal with our partners in the region.”

Reactions from Lawmakers and Leaders

The president’s declarations triggered backlash from Democratic lawmakers and leaders of the Palestinian group Hamas. A senior Hamas official condemned Trump’s statements, labeling them as “a crime against humanity” and expressed concern over the potential displacement of Gaza residents.

Resumption of Tough Policies Against Iran

In addition to the developments in Gaza, Trump announced the reinstatement of his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. He instructed the Treasury Department to implement strict economic sanctions aimed at crippling Iran’s oil exports. Trump described his decision as challenging and mentioned, “Hopefully, we’re not going to have to use it very much.”

During a press conference with Netanyahu, Trump expressed worry over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that he believes Iran is close to developing a nuclear weapon. He assured that the U.S. would take actions to prevent Tehran from obtaining such capabilities.

Background on Iran Sanctions

Historically, Trump’s first term included a similar tough stance on Iran, with greater sanctions imposed after the U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or the Iran deal, in May 2018. This agreement had aimed to limit Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for lifting economic sanctions.

Sanctioning the International Criminal Court

On Thursday, Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) following its issuance of an arrest warrant for Netanyahu. The order, which received support from some Democrats, introduces financial sanctions and visa restrictions against ICC officials and their families involved in investigations against U.S. citizens and allies.

The ICC, based in The Hague, handles serious global issues such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Trump’s administration argues that the ICC undermines U.S. sovereignty and tends to politicize its proceedings, especially concerning Israel.

Plans for a Sovereign Wealth Fund

In a further development, Trump announced the establishment of a new sovereign wealth fund through an executive order signed earlier in the week. This fund—essentially a state-owned investment vehicle—could finance various initiatives, including a potential acquisition of TikTok.

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent indicated that details would be formulated over the next 12 months. He stated, “I think it’s going to create value and be of great strategic importance.” Whether Congress will approve these plans remains uncertain.

A Glimpse Ahead

As the Trump administration moves forward, these developments may shape not only U.S. foreign policy but also its domestic landscape. The focus now lies on how these strategies will implement and their long-term implications for national and international relations.

Fox News’ Greg Norman contributed to this report.