President Donald Trump has voiced strong displeasure toward Canada, the United Kingdom, and France for their plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, these announcements have only deepened Trump’s opposition to the recognition move, especially amid ongoing tensions in Gaza.
Trump sharply criticized Canada after it announced at the United Nations that it would support Palestinian statehood. In contrast, his reaction to French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was slightly more restrained, although still disapproving.
While Macron’s decision sparked momentum among other countries, Trump dismissed it, saying the French leader’s statement “doesn’t carry much weight.” Meanwhile, Starmer announced that the UK would move forward with recognition unless Israel takes major steps, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Following a recent trip to Scotland and a meeting with Starmer, Trump clarified his position by saying, “I’m not in that camp, to be honest.” He signaled that recognizing Palestine without progress from Hamas sends the wrong message during such a delicate time.
Leavitt added that Trump believes the push to recognize Palestine is essentially “rewarding Hamas,” which he views as the main obstacle to achieving a ceasefire and releasing hostages. Trump’s stance suggests a harder US line as international momentum grows for Palestinian recognition.
Despite global calls for a two-state solution, Trump’s administration remains focused on pressuring Hamas and backing Israel’s demands first. As September approaches, tensions between allies could intensify over their differing approaches to resolving the conflict.