Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- Republican lawmakers were surprised by President Donald Trump's suggestion to take control of Gaza.
- Some Republicans support Trump's bold proposal, while others express caution and concern.
- Democrats criticize the idea, warning it could violate international law and threaten impeachment.
WASHINGTON — Republican lawmakers were just as surprised as the rest of the country when President Donald Trump suggested the United States should take over Gaza late Tuesday. And many of them still are unsure what to think.
"To what extent the president wants to move on this, we will see," Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, told the Deseret News. "But we have to be willing to think outside the box to bring peace and stability to Israel and the Palestinian people."
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., admitted that Trump's proposal to seize control of the Gaza Strip and remove the Palestinian population was "greeted by surprise by many." But, the Republican leader said, many U.S. allies likely reacted with "cheer."
"Why? Because that area is so dangerous, and he's taking bold, decisive action to try to ensure peace of that region," Johnson said on Wednesday. "It's a bold move, certainly far bolder than what's been done before."
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., also justified Trump's comments, noting the president simply "wants to bring a more peaceful and secure Middle East, and he's put some ideas out there."
House GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich. defended the president, framing his comments as an attempt to break free from the status quo.
"He's throwing everything in the kitchen sink out there," McClain said. "And what I remind everybody is it is going to take unconventional wisdom to get us out of this mess that we're in. So stay tuned, because I think there's a lot more coming."
Despite backing the initial proposal, several Republican leaders noted they were still learning the details of what Trump meant by such a suggestion, which was announced Tuesday evening alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Johnson is expected to meet with Netanyahu at the Capitol this week, and the top House Republican said he would discuss it with the prime minister to learn more.
"We have to back Israel 100%. And so whatever form that takes, we're interested in having that discussion," Johnson said.
But other Republicans are reacting cautiously to the suggestion.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., called the idea an "interesting proposal" but argued most of his constituents in South Carolina "would probably not be excited about sending Americans to take over Gaza. It might be problematic."
Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., conceded he isn't sure "it's the best use of United States resources." Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-S.D., argued it's "really not our business right now," suggesting the U.S. should leave the matter to the Israeli government.
Meanwhile, Democrats have raged against the idea, arguing Trump would violate international law if he sought to remove an entire population from the area.
"Trump's become a warmonger," Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., told the Deseret News. "I don't know too many members of Congress, even on the Republican side, whose constituents want to send their sons and daughters to Gaza right now."
One House Democrat even went so far as to threaten impeaching Trump over the matter, with Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, announcing his intent to punish the president "for dastardly deeds proposed and dastardly deeds done."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified on Wednesday that Trump would commit to putting "boots on the ground" in Gaza or allocating funds "to pay for the rebuilding of Gaza" — leaving some Republicans confused on how the president wants to proceed. Senators emerged from a closed-door meeting on Wednesday with Trump special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, who echoed Leavitt's comments.
"Maybe I don't understand the position," Hawley said, noting Witkoff's comments were different from what Trump said the night before.
