A peace deal that ended years of violence between Israel and Hamas and freed all living hostages from Gaza should have been a unifying political moment. Yet, within the halls of Congress, a quieter tension is playing out — not over the deal itself, but over who helped make it happen.
While Democrats are celebrating the ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the hope of lasting peace in the Middle East, there’s a clear omission in many of their statements: the words “Donald Trump.”
Why Democrats Are Skipping Trump’s Name
In a rare bipartisan moment, Democrats have praised the diplomacy and relief brought by the peace agreement. Leaders like Hakeem Jeffries and Ritchie Torres applauded the courage of hostage families, the strength of Israel, and the possibility of coexistence with Palestinians.
But most statements carefully avoided mentioning Trump, who personally signed the Gaza peace plan in Egypt.
Political analysts say this silence is intentional. For many Democrats, acknowledging Trump’s role in a successful peace negotiation could alienate their base — especially progressive voters who remain deeply critical of his presidency and his foreign policy.
A Few Democrats Broke the Silence
Not everyone stayed quiet, though. Sen. Jon Ossoff and Sen. Mark Kelly publicly credited Trump for “working out” the deal and bringing about the release of hostages. Even Hillary Clinton, Trump’s onetime rival, commended him for “making the commitment to a 20-point plan” that could redefine peace in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer eventually included Trump’s name in a statement — but only after initially omitting it. He praised the “tireless work” of families and diplomats, carefully placing Trump’s acknowledgment amid calls for enduring peace.
Republicans Seize the Moment
Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, didn’t miss the chance to point out the omission. Johnson accused Democrats of being “afraid to credit Trump,” saying they feared backlash from the progressive left. “It’s a shame and a danger to the country,” he said, framing the moment as proof of political polarization even in times of peace.
A Divided Celebration
The episode underscores the ongoing split within the Democratic Party over how to discuss Israel and Palestine. While moderates remain strongly pro-Israel, progressive lawmakers continue to highlight Palestinian suffering — and many are cautious about associating any peace effort with Trump.
Trump’s Own Victory Lap
As expected, Trump hasn’t stayed silent. Speaking before the Knesset, he took full credit for the historic moment, while blaming the Obama and Biden administrations for delaying peace. “This could have happened a long time ago,” Trump said. “But it was set back by previous leadership.”
The Bigger Picture
Politics aside, the Israel–Hamas peace deal marks a turning point. The release of hostages has opened the door for dialogue and healing, even as deep divisions remain.
And while Democrats may prefer to highlight the peace rather than the peacemaker, one thing is clear: the world is watching a rare and fragile hope unfold in the Middle East.
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