Staff Reports
President Trump has been pushing for a revolutionary vision for Gaza, and during a recent meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, he doubled down on his plans to reshape the region. The main idea? Get Jordan and Egypt to accept the Palestinians who might be displaced from Gaza. So, in typical Trump fashion, he proposed that the United States take over the Gaza Strip and essentially make it great again.
Imagining Trump as the contractor-in-chief for Gaza might elicit a chuckle. He conveyed that the U.S. would not just take possession of Gaza but also tackle the tough job of cleaning up the remnants of past conflicts—think unexploded bombs and crumbling buildings. By “doing a real job,” as he puts it, Trump envisions transforming the area into an economic powerhouse that would provide endless job opportunities and housing for the local populace. One has to wonder if that means a few golf courses will be included in the makeover.
The significant challenge to Trump’s plan, as he sees it, involves resettling about 2 million Palestinians and convincing Egypt and Jordan to welcome them. While these discussions unfolded, King Abdullah seemed to show a glimmer of hope, highlighting his belief that Trump could lead the Middle East to stability and peace. However, he also subtly indicated that Jordan’s commitment is first and foremost to its own citizens, reasserting their stance against Palestinian displacement. The classic “let’s get on the same page” diplomatic dance was on full display.
In a moment that might be straight out of a sitcom, Trump praised Abdullah’s response regarding the acceptance of 2,000 sick Palestinian children, applauding it as a “beautiful gesture.” One can only imagine what the king was truly thinking: perhaps “thousands of children, not exactly the same as two million.” Trump remains undeterred, expressing confidence that his grand vision for Gaza will soon become reality. It’s a classic case of “if I say it enough times, it must be true”—politics at its finest.
King of Jordan Proves Trump's the Ultimate Dealmaker, Surprises World with Palestinian Offer via @WestJournalism https://t.co/qYEvtVSEB1
— Richard Lemorie (@RLemorie) February 13, 2025
Amidst all this, Trump teetered between his role as a potential benevolent overlord and the tough negotiator threatening to withhold aid. Traditionally, being generous with U.S. funds is how American presidents maintain alliances. However, Trump downplayed this approach, instead pushing for a united effort toward his Gaza vision. Yet, the king’s retort made it clear that Trump’s broader plan for the Palestinian question is still on shaky ground and has yet to gain any real traction.
In retrospect, while Trump’s vision for Gaza is ambitious, the reality of geopolitical tensions, historical grievances, and the complexities of resettling millions cannot be overlooked. America’s role as a global leader is sullied by the mess of past interventions, but perhaps this plan will somehow miraculously work. After all, when has a “let’s make it happen” mentality ever failed in international diplomacy, right?
