Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace said, “Let’s turn Gaza into Mar-A-Lago,” following an announcement from President Donald Trump that the United States will “take over” the Gaza strip.
Newsweek reached out to Representative Mace’s office via online form on Tuesday for comment.
Why It Matters
In a news briefing with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump said that the United States would “take over the Gaza Strip” and added that “We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and all of the other weapons on the site.”
Reaction to Trump’s remarks inundated social media, sparking fierce backlash and praise. Mace, a staunch supporter of Trump, was not alone in her alignment with his remarks.
Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East remain high despite a ceasefire agreement between the Israeli government and Hamas, as hostage negotiations continue. The region has seen tremendous loss as thousands of people have been killed in the response following Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023.
What To Know
While speaking to reporters, Trump was asked about potentially sending U.S. troops into Gaza and would not rule out the possibility.
“As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary, if it’s necessary we’ll do that,” Trump said. “We’re going to take over that piece and develop it, create thousands and thousands of jobs, and it’ll be something that the entire Middle East can be proud of.”
Trump also said that he envisions Gaza potentially being the “Riviera of the Middle East,” saying “the world’s people” would live there.
Many lawmakers reacted to the news, some calling Trump a “warmonger” and others saying Trump is “bringing peace” to the region. In Mace’s comment on X (formerly Twitter), she hinted at potentially commercializing the region similarly to Trump’s estate and ocean front club Mar-a-Lago on Palm Beach, Florida.
What People Are Saying
Congressman Brandon Gill, a Texas Republican, on X: “President Trump is bringing peace to the Middle East, just as he promised. PROMISES KEPT”
Florida Senator Rick Scott, a Republican, on X: “Hamas terrorists murdered babies and burned people alive. They are evil monsters. Thank God we finally have a president who is committed to standing with Israel and working with Netanyahu on how to support their efforts to get terrorists out of Gaza and bring every hostage home.”
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green, a Georgia Republican, on X: “Under President Trump, America will be the beacon of PEACE for the world! It’s time to change the Middle East in pursuit of ending endless war, and this is EXACTLY how it’s done!”
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, a Democrat, on X: “I have news for you – we aren’t taking over Gaza. But the media and the chattering class will focus on it for a few days and Trump will have succeeded in distracting everyone from the real story – the billionaires seizing government to steal from regular people.”
Congressman Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, on X: “Wait what? The U.S. is going to occupy Gaza? We were promised no more endless wars. By my count we are occupying Greenland, Canada, Panama Canal, and now..Gaza?”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio on X: “Gaza MUST BE FREE from Hamas. As @POTUS shared today, the United States stands ready to lead and Make Gaza Beautiful Again. Our pursuit is one of lasting peace in the region for all people.”
CAIR National on X: “Bismillah. Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people, not the United States, and President Trump’s call to expel Palestinians from their land is an absolute non-starter. Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the entire Muslim world have made it clear that this delusional idea is unacceptable.
If the Palestinian people were ever somehow forcibly expelled from Gaza, this crime against humanity would spark widespread conflict, put the final nail in the coffin of international law, and destroy what remains of our nation’s international image and standing.
If President Trump wants to make history with some sort of grand peace deal, he must start by accepting that the only way to make permanent peace is to end the Israeli occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people.”
What Happens Next
It is immediately unknown when the United States’ “take over” of Gaza would happen. Newsweek previously reached out to the White House via email after Trump’s announcement for comment.
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