Trump Proposes U.S. Take Over Gaza, Hints at Troop Deployment in Bold Middle East Shift
In a dramatic and unexpected policy shift, former President Donald Trump has proposed that the United States take control of the Gaza Strip, relocate its Palestinian residents to nearby Arab nations, and transform the war-torn enclave into a thriving economic hub. Calling it the potential “Riviera of the Middle East,” Trump’s vision would drastically alter decades of American foreign policy and Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Trump’s remarks came during a press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “We’ll own it,” he said confidently. “Flatten it, build it up, and create jobs and housing for the people there.” The proposal marks a stark departure from previous U.S. stances, which have traditionally supported a two-state solution.
While discussing his vision, Trump did not rule out the use of American troops to stabilize and secure the territory. His comments raise questions about how this plan aligns with his long-standing “America First” policy, which has often prioritized reducing U.S. involvement in global conflicts.
Trump’s proposal builds on an earlier idea he floated—clearing out Gaza and resettling its residents in Egypt and Jordan. Now, he suggests that if Palestinians are relocated elsewhere, the region could be entirely rebuilt from the ground up with outside investment.
“The Gaza situation has never worked,” Trump said. “Palestinians deserve a fresh start, and if we can find them good, safe land with solid financial backing, that’s better than sending them back into Gaza.”
The suggestion that millions of Palestinians could be permanently displaced is likely to spark fierce backlash from Palestinian leaders and Arab nations. Historically, proposals to remove Palestinian populations have been met with strong resistance, not just from the region but also from international human rights groups.
Meanwhile, a senior Trump administration official declined to clarify whether the U.S. still supports the idea of an independent Palestinian state. The administration’s focus, they said, remains on removing Hamas from power and securing the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks.
The proposal has drawn mixed reactions from experts and political figures. Mike Duran, a former National Security Council director, admitted he was stunned by Trump’s suggestion. “I never thought I’d hear something like this from him. It’s a huge shift,” he said.
Some, like Senator John Fetterman, believe the idea is at least worth discussing. “It’s a provocative idea, but in the current situation, we need to consider all options,” Fetterman said.
Others, however, strongly disagree. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Daniel Shapiro dismissed the plan as unrealistic, pointing out that no Arab allies would accept such a drastic move. “This would be an enormous, costly undertaking with serious consequences for the U.S. and the region,” he warned.
It remains unclear whether Trump’s idea will gain traction or fade as a controversial proposal. For now, it adds yet another layer to the already complex and fragile situation in the Middle East. One thing is certain—this unexpected plan has sparked a global conversation about the future of Gaza, the Palestinians, and America’s role in the region.
