King Abdullah II of Jordan made history by becoming the first Arab leader to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House since Trump’s second term began on January 20. The meeting took place on Tuesday and highlighted the delicate diplomatic balancing act Abdullah faced. While Jordan and the United States have long enjoyed strong ties, Trump has been pressuring Abdullah and his government to accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza, which has been under intense Israeli military assault since October 2023. Critics have harshly criticized Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza and resettle its residents, calling it a form of ethnic cleansing. Trump, however, remained undeterred, insisting that U.S. control over Gaza would bring stability to the Middle East for the first time. Both Jordan and its ally Egypt have firmly refused to accept forcibly displaced Palestinians, further complicating the situation.
During the meeting, Trump doubled down on his controversial Gaza takeover plan. When questioned by journalists in the Oval Office, he reiterated his intention to take control of Gaza, rebuild it, and relocate its Palestinian residents to “parcels of land” in Jordan and Egypt. Trump spoke in a tone that seemed to dismiss the gravity of his proposals, emphasizing the economic benefits of his vision, such as job creation, but failing to provide any concrete details. He also issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas, the Palestinian group controlling Gaza, threatening to end the fragile ceasefire if all Israeli captives were not released by Saturday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump’s threats, warning that Israel would resume its devastating bombing campaign in Gaza if the captives were not freed. Despite his hardline stance, Trump appeared to backtrack on his earlier threat to withhold aid from Jordan and Egypt if they rejected his displacement plan, stating, “I don’t have to threaten that.”
King Abdullah, however, maintained a diplomatic tone throughout the meeting. He avoided directly confronting Trump, instead choosing to emphasize Jordan’s steadfast opposition to the displacement of Palestinians. When asked whether Jordan would accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza, Abdullah replied vaguely, saying he would do what was “best” for his country. In social media posts following the meeting, he reiterated Jordan’s opposition to the displacement of Palestinians in both Gaza and the West Bank. Abdullah also hinted at an alternative plan being developed by Arab states to address the Gaza crisis, which would be unveiled once finalized. He praised Trump, expressing hope that the U.S. president could help bring stability and peace to the region. Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, later echoed Abdullah’s remarks, stating that the Arab plan would focus on rebuilding Gaza without displacing its people. Observers speculate that Trump’s Gaza plan may be a negotiating tactic, and that Arab states could present a counteroffer to address the crisis.
Trump’s remarks during the meeting revealed a striking disconnect between his real estate-centric worldview and the deeply rooted political and emotional attachments of Palestinians to their land. Trump, whose career began in real estate, often frames issues in terms of development and economic opportunity. He described Gaza as a “diamond” in the Middle East, envisioning it as a place that could be transformed into a thriving hub with hotels, offices, and a “riviera” atmosphere. However, his vision overlooks the decades of Israeli occupation and the Palestinians’ enduring connection to their homeland. When asked if he would consider purchasing Gaza, Trump dismissed the idea, stating, “We’re not going to buy. There’s nothing to buy.” His comments reflected a view of Gaza as a blank slate, devoid of history or people, rather than a land deeply significant to Palestinians.
Palestinians, however, have consistently demonstrated their attachment to Gaza, even in the face of immense suffering. During the recent ceasefire, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians returned to northern Gaza, many on foot, despite the widespread destruction of their homes by Israeli forces. Their actions sent a clear message: they are determined to remain in their homeland, no matter the challenges. This resilience underscores the emotional and cultural ties that bind Palestinians to Gaza, ties that Trump’s plan entirely ignores. Critics argue that Trump’s approach is not only unrealistic but also profoundly insensitive to the complexities of the conflict.
The meeting between Abdullah and Trump highlighted the deepening tensions in the Middle East and the challenges of navigating U.S.-Arab relations under Trump’s leadership. While Trump’s Gaza plan remains highly contentious, Abdullah’s cautious diplomacy reflects the delicate balance Jordan must maintain in its relationships with both the U.S. and Israel. The fate of Gaza and its people hangs in the balance, as the region teeters on the brink of renewed violence. Whether Trump’s vision or the Arab states’ alternative plan will prevail remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the path forward will require a solution that respects the rights and dignity of all parties involved, particularly the Palestinians who call Gaza home.
