Donald Trump Meets Jordan’s King Amid Controversial Palestinian Resettlement Discussions

Donald Trump Meets Jordan’s King Amid Controversial Palestinian Resettlement Discussions

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump welcomed Jordan’s King Abdullah II to the White House. This visit occurs during heightened tensions surrounding discussions between the United States and Arab nations about the resettlement of Palestinian refugees in Jordan and other neighboring countries aimed at rebuilding Gaza.

On February 4, Trump announced his intention for the U.S. to assume a significant role in governing the Gaza Strip. He described this initiative as a step toward establishing a long-term ownership position that would ultimately bring stability to the region. This declaration happened during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

However, Trump’s proposal faced immediate backlash from various Arab nations, with Jordan expressing strong reservations. In response to the unfolding situation, Egypt called for an emergency Arab Summit scheduled for February 27 to address what they termed “new and dangerous developments” regarding the resettlement of Palestinians.

Despite the controversy, Trump remained resolute in his stance during a Monday interview with Bret Baier of Fox News. He expressed confidence that King Abdullah would eventually agree to accept Palestinian refugees. “I do think he’ll take, and I think other countries will take also,” Trump stated, attributing their potential support to the good intentions of the Arab nations.

Additionally, Trump hinted at the possibility of withholding U.S. aid to Jordan should King Abdullah refuse to accommodate Palestinian refugees. The U.S. allocated nearly $1.7 billion in foreign aid to Jordan during the fiscal year 2023, according to the State Department.

When asked directly about the potential for withholding aid, Trump replied, “Yeah, maybe, sure why not. If they don’t, I would conceivably withhold aid, yes.” His comments added a layer of pressure on Jordan amidst the ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

During the same announcement in February, Trump revealed his grand vision for transforming Gaza into what he described as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” He painted a picture of a prosperous Gaza that would include economic development and job creation for the local populace.

As Trump elaborated on his plans, he asserted that the United States would be responsible for dismantling remnants of conflict, such as unexploded bombs and damaged infrastructure in the region. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous, unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site,” Trump noted to reporters, emphasizing the need for a thorough reconstruction process.

Trump’s comments included a directive to completely level the current situation. He argued for the necessity of creating an economic environment that could provide housing and job opportunities. “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,” he cautioned.

Despite this ambitious narrative, Trump mentioned that all Palestinians would be removed from Gaza under his plan. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that their removal would be temporary, aimed at facilitating the rebuilding efforts. Nevertheless, during the interview with Fox News, Trump reiterated that under his proposal, Palestinians would not return to Gaza.

Reactions from Lawmakers

Reactions to Trump’s plans emerged from Capitol Hill, showcasing a divided response among lawmakers. Some expressed disbelief at the proposal. Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, voiced his shock, stating, “I’m speechless, that’s insane” when addressing the implications of Trump’s comments.

Conversely, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, expressed a more optimistic interpretation. Thune remarked that Trump aims to foster a more peaceful and secure Middle East and viewed the proposed ideas as potentially beneficial.

The Broader Impact on U.S.-Arab Relations

This moment marks a critical juncture in the ongoing discourse surrounding U.S. policy in the Middle East. The contentious dialogue surrounding Palestinian resettlement raises questions about the long-term implications for U.S.-Arab relationships, especially in light of the increasing tensions in the region.

As discussions continue, the stakes remain high for both the United States and Jordan. Each nation faces unique challenges that require careful navigation to achieve a stable peace in the region. The outcome of these talks could redefine the dynamics between U.S. foreign policy and Arab nations’ responses to emerging geopolitical realities.

This evolving situation in the Middle East underscores the importance of continued dialogue and diplomacy in addressing complex humanitarian issues while balancing national interests.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.