WASHINGTON, August 1 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced his sharp disapproval of key American allies — namely France, the United Kingdom, and Canada — following their recent declarations to support the recognition of a Palestinian state, with formal moves expected as early as September.
Trump’s reaction, shared through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, reflects not just political disagreement but a deep frustration over what he perceives as a premature and dangerous diplomatic gesture — one he believes could embolden Hamas rather than advance peace.
Canada drew the harshest response from Trump, after it revealed its plans during a recent United Nations meeting. While his comments about French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer were more measured, the former president was still dismissive. Of Macron’s statement, which helped ignite this latest momentum, Trump said, “It doesn’t matter… it doesn’t carry much weight.”
More notably, British PM Keir Starmer announced the UK’s intent to recognize Palestinian statehood in September — conditional upon Israel taking “substantive” steps toward peace, including agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza. This announcement came just days after Starmer and Trump met during the former president’s trip to Scotland.
“I’m not in that camp, to be honest,” Trump responded when asked about Britain’s stance.
According to Leavitt, Trump now views these recognitions as effectively “rewarding Hamas” — an organization he continues to view as the primary obstacle to lasting peace, a ceasefire, and the release of hostages. For Trump, any gesture toward statehood should come with clear commitments to security, peace, and accountability — not during what he sees as an ongoing conflict stoked by terror.
As global leaders wrestle with how best to support Palestinian aspirations while ensuring Israeli security, Trump’s message remains clear: diplomacy should not come at the cost of legitimizing extremism.
