Trump Meets Jordan’s King Abdullah Amid Tensions Over Gaza Proposal

Former U.S. President Donald Trump met with Jordan’s King Abdullah on Tuesday in what was expected to be a tense discussion over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. The meeting comes after Trump proposed a controversial plan to redevelop Gaza, suggesting that the U.S. should take control of the region, relocate its residents, and transform it into a high-end coastal destination dubbed the “Riviera of the Middle East.” The idea, along with Trump’s threat to cut aid to Jordan if it refuses to accept Palestinian refugees, has sparked significant backlash across the Arab world.

Trump’s Controversial Gaza Plan

Trump’s vision for Gaza, announced a week before the meeting, has been met with widespread criticism. The plan includes evacuating the war-torn enclave’s Palestinian population and repurposing the land for tourism and economic investment. While Trump framed the proposal as a humanitarian and economic opportunity, critics see it as an unrealistic and colonial-style approach that disregards Palestinian sovereignty and rights.

Arab leaders, including King Abdullah, have strongly opposed the idea, viewing it as an attempt to displace Palestinians permanently and erase their claims to the land. Many have also warned that forcing neighboring countries to resettle displaced Palestinians could destabilize the region.

Jordan’s Role and Concerns

Jordan, a key U.S. ally in the region, has a long history of supporting Palestinian rights and already hosts millions of Palestinian refugees. Trump’s suggestion that Jordan should absorb more displaced Palestinians has put King Abdullah in a difficult position. Accepting such a proposal could spark domestic unrest in Jordan, where a significant portion of the population is of Palestinian origin.

King Abdullah has repeatedly emphasized the importance of a two-state solution as the only viable path to peace, rejecting any plan that undermines Palestinian statehood. Trump’s threat to cut U.S. aid—critical for Jordan’s economy and security—adds further pressure, making this meeting crucial for future U.S.-Jordan relations.

Geopolitical and Humanitarian Implications

The fallout from Trump’s proposal extends beyond Jordan. Arab nations, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have also expressed strong disapproval. The idea of forcibly removing Gaza’s population contradicts international law and humanitarian principles, raising concerns among human rights organizations.

Additionally, if the U.S. moves forward with such a plan, it could further isolate Washington from its traditional allies in the Arab world. This could also complicate diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, particularly in ongoing peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine.

Conclusion

Trump’s meeting with King Abdullah comes at a critical time, with Jordan seeking to maintain its strategic alliance with the U.S. while firmly opposing any proposal that threatens regional stability. The outcome of the discussions could shape future U.S.-Middle East relations, especially concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As tensions remain high, the world will be watching closely to see how both leaders navigate this diplomatic challenge.