During a CNN town hall on Wednesday, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders expressed hesitation in crediting President Donald Trump for the recent ceasefire in Gaza, despite the significant outcome of Israeli hostages’ release. In response to a question about Trump’s role in the peace deal, Ocasio-Cortez acknowledged the accomplishment but pointed out the uncertainty about whether the ceasefire would hold. She also noted Trump’s history of obstructing peace negotiations before.
Sanders, meanwhile, criticized Trump for his past role in hindering the peace process, while also criticizing the Biden administration for its substantial financial support to Israel. He emphasized that the current focus should be on evaluating U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East rather than attributing credit for the ceasefire. The two lawmakers, both prominent figures in the Democratic Party, underscored their concerns about the ongoing impact of U.S. military aid to Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The exchange came as part of a broader debate within the Democratic Party about how to acknowledge Trump’s potential role in the ceasefire while not downplaying the challenges and controversies surrounding the situation in the region. Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders’ comments reflect a growing skepticism among progressive lawmakers about the effectiveness of U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, particularly under the Trump administration, and their concerns about the consequences of continued military and financial support for Israel.
Additionally, Sanders’ remarks during the town hall extended beyond the ceasefire. He clashed with a Republican student who questioned his views on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s leadership during the government shutdown. Sanders attributed the shutdown more to the leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump, suggesting that they were responsible for the political polarization and the resulting economic consequences. This exchange highlighted the ongoing tensions within the political landscape, particularly around the role of leadership and the impact of policy decisions on the American public.