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President Donald Trump’s proposal for the United States to take control of Gaza has drawn skepticism from both Republicans and Democrats, with lawmakers questioning its feasibility, legality, and potential military implications.
During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump announced his vision for the U.S. to “take over” the Gaza Strip, oversee its reconstruction, and eliminate Hamas-controlled infrastructure. “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site,” Trump stated. “Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings. Create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs.”
However, the proposal quickly met resistance in Congress. Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) voiced doubts, saying, “It came out of the blue. It may be a negotiating tactic rather than a real plan, but I do not see it as feasible, particularly if it’s going to involve the deployment of U.S. troops.”
Trump did not rule out sending American troops to Gaza. “If it’s necessary, we’ll do that,” he said. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that Trump has not committed to a military presence “yet.”
Many lawmakers pushed back on the idea of a U.S. military deployment. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) dismissed the proposal, saying, “I think they’ve seen enough turmoil in that region. I don’t think that we need to contribute.” Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) was more critical, calling it “deeply, deeply dangerous” and accusing Trump of trying to create “a United States colony in the Middle East.”
Some Republicans, however, appeared open to exploring the plan. Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) said he would support a role for U.S. troops if necessary. “If it would require an AUMF, I would certainly be open to that,” Hoeven said. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) also expressed cautious support, stating, “It just makes sense to make the neighborhood there safer.”
Despite this, international leaders condemned the idea. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated support for a two-state solution, emphasizing that Palestinians “must be allowed home, they must be allowed to rebuild.”
With sharp domestic and global criticism, Trump’s proposal faces significant hurdles, leaving questions about its viability and congressional approval. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle continue to demand further details, as uncertainty looms over how such a plan would unfold.
