Key highlights from the meeting between Trump and Jordan’s King Abdullah
The discussion centered on Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to assume control of Gaza, with Palestinians being relocated to Jordan and Egypt.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II became the first Arab leader to visit the White House since Donald Trump began his second term as U.S. president on January 20.
However, Tuesday’s meeting placed Abdullah in a challenging position.
While Jordan and the U.S. have traditionally maintained strong ties, Trump has repeatedly pressured Abdullah’s government to accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza, where Israel has been conducting military operations since October 2023.
The U.S. has also proposed taking control of Gaza after it is emptied of its residents, a move critics argue would amount to ethnic cleansing.
“It’s not a complex thing to do,” Trump reiterated on Tuesday. “With the United States being in control of that piece of land — that fairly large piece of land — you’re going to have stability in the Middle East for the first time.”
Both Jordan and Egypt have firmly rejected the idea of accepting forcibly displaced Palestinians.
Abdullah’s meeting coincided with growing concerns that a recent ceasefire in Gaza could collapse. On the heels of Trump’s remarks, Israel has threatened to resume bombing on Saturday if Hamas does not release all captives by then.
During the meeting, Abdullah avoided directly contradicting Trump, instead referring to an alternative plan that Egypt is expected to announce soon.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting between Abdullah and Trump:
- Trump proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza and the relocation of Palestinians to Jordan and Egypt.
- Jordan and Egypt have rejected the forced displacement of Palestinians.
- The meeting occurred amid concerns over the fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
- Trump claimed U.S. control of Gaza would bring Middle East stability.
- Abdullah refrained from directly opposing Trump, pointing to an upcoming Egyptian proposal.
