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President Donald Trump sent shockwaves around the world by saying the U.S. would “take over” Gaza and “own” the territory during a press conference with Benjamin Netanyahu that left even the Israeli Prime Minister surprised.
Trump added that Palestinians could be resettled away from their homes in the war-torn enclave and into “areas where the leaders currently say no,” leaving the land free to become “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
Speaking to reporters, the president said: “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site.”
He added: “I do see a long-term ownership position, and I see it bringing great stability to that part of the Middle East.”
Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt have already rejected Trump’s proposal while the Palestinian ambassador to the UN said “our homeland is our homeland.”
Gaza has suffered huge destruction in the 15-month conflict between Israel and Hamas, with more than 47,000 people killed.
Today, Trump will sign an executive order targeting transgender athletes and will meet with Governor Greg Abbott of Texas and Governor Gavin Newsom of California.
Senate confirms Scott Tuner as Housing & Urban Development Secretary
Oliver O’Connell5 February 2025 17:56
Scott Jennings dismisses outrage over Trump’s Gaza plan as ‘dramatic’
CNN’s resident MAGA defender Scott Jennings once again sparked backlash on Tuesday night when he dismissed his fellow panelists’ concerns over President Donald Trump’s plan to permanently relocate Palestinians from Gaza as “dramatic,” claiming that the president was merely “musing.”
During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump sent shockwaves through the international community when he announced that the United States would “take over Gaza” and “own” the territory, adding that he wanted to make the war-torn strip the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Oliver O’Connell5 February 2025 17:50
Trump confirmation hearings: Lutnick and Loeffler nominations move forward
The Senate Commerce Committee has approved Donald Trump’s nomination of Howard Lutnick to be Commerce Secretary on a near party-line 16-12 vote, sending it to the full Senate.
Senator John Fetterman (PA) was the only Democrat to vote Yes with all Republicans.
The Senate Small Business Committee has also approved President Trump’s nomination of former Georgia Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler to serve as SBA Administrator on a 12-7 vote.
Democrats Jacky Rosen of Nevada and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire joined all Republicans in voting Yes.
Oliver O’Connell5 February 2025 17:48
National Labor Relations Board member sues Trump for firing her, setting up test case on presidential power
Gwynne Wilcox, a member of the National Labor Relations Board who was fired by Donald Trump, has filed a lawsuit contesting her removal. The president is named alongside Marvin Kaplan, the new chairman of the NLRB.
This suit sets up an explosive test case about the president’s power over independent federal agencies.
The suit alleges that Trump’s late-night dismissal of Wilcox, the first Black woman to serve on the board and as its chair, violated the law that permits removing board members only for “neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause.”
The law stipulates that removal can only happen after notice and a hearing. The lawsuit argued that Trump’s dismissal lacked justification for his action and was carried out without notice or a hearing.
A sitting NLRB board member has never been removed by a president in the agency’s 90-year history.
Wilcox’s removal leaves the NLRB without the quorum necessary to conduct business enforcing the nation’s labor laws.
Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, is in court seeking to have the agency declared unconstitutional.
Oliver O’Connell5 February 2025 17:40
Arab world swiftly rejects Trump’s Gaza vision
The remarks, made alongside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, which is the first in-person visit by a foreign leader since Mr Trump’s return to office, sparked controversy in the region, being swiftly rejected by Palestinian leaders and leaders of the Arab world
Sweta Sharma and Tom Watling look at reactions around the region.
Oliver O’Connell5 February 2025 17:30
Republicans rally behind Tulsi Gabbard as nomination moves ahead
Tulsi Gabbard cleared an important hurdle to become President Donald Trump’s director of National Intelligence when the Senate Intelligence Committee voted to advance her nomination to the full Senate floor on Tuesday.
Eric Garcia reports from Washington, D.C.
Oliver O’Connell5 February 2025 17:10
Watch LIVE: Protesters gather in DC against Trump administration’s actions against USAID
Oliver O’Connell5 February 2025 17:07
Trump congratulates ‘unbelievably fair’ AG Bondi at swearing-in
President Donald Trump congratulated his new attorney general, Pam Bondi, calling her “unbelievably fair and unbelievably good.”
“I know I’m supposed to say, ‘she’s going to be totally impartial with respect to Democrats,’ and I think she will be as impartial as a person can be.”
Bondi was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
Among her 25 guests at the swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office were her mother and her husband, who stood beside her holding the Bible as she took the oath of office.
Asked what Attorney General Bondi’s top priority will be, the presdient said: “Very simple, Make America Great Again. That’s what we’re going to do… She’s going to take crime out of the system. As much as anybody can do that, she’s going to do. We’re going to make America safe again.”
Oliver O’Connell5 February 2025 16:55
Trump’s Gaza plan — is it legal?
Trump has previously called on Egypt and Jordan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza – a proposal that both countries have firmly rejected.
His latest astonishing proposal – and the possibility of a US takeover of a sovereign territory – have immediately been met with criticism and questions about the legality of such a move.
When asked what authority would allow the US to “take over” Gaza, Trump did not have an answer. He only said it would be a “long-term ownership position”. He also did not rule out using US troops.
So, what does international law say about this idea?
Reuters Correspondents5 February 2025 16:50
