It seems that President Trump isn’t just resting on his laurels in the post-presidency world; he’s busy plotting a takeover of Gaza—just a typical Tuesday, right? While liberal pundits might clutch their pearls over the very idea, conservative commentators like Seth Mandel of Commentary suggest that Trump’s blunt threat was less about invasion and more about giving a friendly nudge to the Arab states. This is a bold move designed to inspire these nations to finally step up and craft a real plan for the region, instead of just shaking their heads and offering endless rhetoric.
Many might roll their eyes at the notion of neighboring Arab countries being productive, given their track record of shrugging off responsibility when it comes to Gaza. However, Trump’s approach comes with that quintessential trump card: the willingness to rattle cages. By flashing the idea of an American takeover, he’s reminding everyone that the clock is ticking, and it’s high time for actual solutions instead of the usual finger-pointing and blame games.
Arabs start to see sense on Gaza, Nike’s fake feminism and other commentary https://t.co/fK0EQGuuTw pic.twitter.com/zt3dSUINon
— NY Post Opinion (@NYPostOpinion) February 19, 2025
Critics have cried foul, claiming Trump’s suggestion is reckless. But let’s be honest; what’s truly reckless is allowing the status quo to persist in a region fraught with turmoil. The same nations that enjoy unwavering financial support from the U.S. and claim to care about the welfare of the Palestinian people have continually failed to take any adequate action themselves. If shaking up the system is what it takes to get these states to stop hiding behind their endless excuses, then maybe that’s just what the doctor ordered.
It’s a well-known rule of thumb that sometimes tough love goes a long way, especially with geopolitics. Trump’s eye-catching gambit might even push Arab leaders to realize that their inaction could very well keep the Palestinian people suffering. The question remains: can they take the hint and muster up a solid plan, or will they continue to drool over the chance to criticize Israel from the sidelines?
While it might seem like a slight overreach for an ex-president, this isn’t unprecedented for Trump. History shows that he often likes to stir the pot to get people talking—or, in this case, acting. With the world now watching, the pressure is on for Arab nations to finally step up and be part of the solution. If the threat of an American takeover is what it takes to motivate these countries into developing an actionable strategy for Gaza, maybe it’s time to start adding “inspiration through intimidation” to Trump’s impressive resume.