Trump Dismisses Blinken’s Claim to Gaza Deal Credit

President Donald Trump sharply rebuked former Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday for suggesting the Biden administration deserved recognition for the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement. In a candid exchange aboard Air Force One, Trump called the assertion a joke and pinned the conflict’s origins on what he described as feeble decision-making under Biden.

Blinken, speaking earlier this month, argued that his team’s efforts laid the essential foundation for the peace framework now advancing under Trump. He pointed to diplomatic overtures during Biden’s term that shaped key elements of the current 20-point plan aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hamas.

The Gaza conflict erupted in October 2023 with a deadly assault by Hamas militants on Israeli communities, sparking a fierce Israeli counteroffensive that has claimed tens of thousands of lives on both sides. Over two years, the war displaced much of Gaza’s population and drew global condemnation for the humanitarian crisis it fueled.

In January 2025, the Biden administration brokered an initial ceasefire that included a hostage swap, but it unraveled amid mutual accusations of violations. Critics at the time faulted U.S. negotiators for insufficient pressure on Hamas to fully comply with release terms.

Trump’s approach diverged sharply, emphasizing direct engagement with regional leaders and a comprehensive roadmap unveiled last month. The plan outlines phased Israeli withdrawals, reconstruction aid for Gaza, and security guarantees against future attacks.

Last week, Hamas agreed to the framework’s first phase, paving the way for the release of remaining hostages and a temporary halt to fighting. Israeli officials approved it shortly after, marking a potential turning point after years of stalemate.

Trump did not hold back in his response, insisting the deal stemmed from his personal rapport with Middle Eastern counterparts. He contrasted it with past policies, saying a competent leader could have prevented the war’s escalation altogether.

The former president extended his critique to other global flashpoints, blaming Biden’s handling for the Russia-Ukraine war as well. Trump argued that even average governance would have averted that invasion, underscoring what he sees as a pattern of diplomatic shortcomings.

Biden allies have pushed back, with national security adviser Jake Sullivan acknowledging Trump’s role while noting similarities to their earlier blueprint. They maintain the groundwork involved tireless shuttle diplomacy across the region.

As Trump prepares a trip to Israel to seal the agreement, questions linger about long-term enforcement. The deal’s success hinges on Hamas disarming and international funding for Gaza’s rebuild, both fraught with historical pitfalls.

Political observers note the exchange highlights ongoing partisan jostling over foreign policy legacies. With midterm elections looming, both sides aim to frame the breakthrough in ways that bolster their narratives on national security.

Trump’s comments resonated quickly among supporters, who flooded social media with endorsements of his unfiltered style. Yet some analysts warn that such public spats could complicate delicate follow-up talks.

In the broader context, the Gaza accord arrives amid strained U.S. alliances in the Middle East. Trump’s team stresses economic incentives tied to normalization with Arab states as a stabilizing force.