Florida Representative Greg Steube (R) applauded President Donald Trump on his response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s recognition of an independent Palestinian state.
“Grateful to have a Commander in Chief who doesn’t cater to Hamas’ demands,” Steube said. “The French could learn a thing or two from President Trump about peace through strength.”
In an interview with FOX News before leaving for Scotland, President Trump answered questions regarding Macron’s stance on an independent Palestinian State, where he said President Macron’s statement doesn’t carry any weight."
“Look, [Macron] is a different kind of a guy. He's okay. He's a team player, pretty much. But here's the good news. What he says doesn't matter. I mean, well, he made his statement, but the statement doesn't carry any weight. He's a very good guy. I like him, but that statement doesn't carry weight,” he said.
Following months of hinting and hesitations, President Macron released a bold statement recognizing Palestine as an independent state in an attempt to foster peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas and across the wider Middle East.
France would become the first of the G7 nations to recognize a Palestinian state. The decision, likely fueled in a bid to undermine the Trump administration as it stands behind Israel and pursues its attempts to end the war in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a scathing statement directed at Macron, accusing the French president of leading “a crusade against the Jewish state.”
“We strongly condemn Mr. Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state next to Tel Aviv in the wake of the Oct. 7 massacre,” Netanyahu stated. “A Palestinian state could become a launchpad to annihilate Israel.”
Other European states, including Spain, Ireland, and Norway, recognized a Palestinian state last year, but French recognition gives real legitimacy to the idea of a Palestinian nation.
