Trump Walks Back Gaza Comments Amid Global Backlash
Former President Donald Trump caused an international stir this week with controversial remarks regarding Gaza. While speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump floated the idea of the U.S. "owning" the Gaza Strip and evacuating Palestinians to "safer and more beautiful" communities elsewhere.
The comments sent shockwaves through Washington and the Middle East, as they directly contradicted Trump's long-held stance against foreign intervention. His vision of Gaza as a "world-class development" project, potentially with casinos and tourist resorts, was met with widespread condemnation.
In response to the backlash, Trump allies, including Senator Marco Rubio and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, rushed to clarify his remarks, insisting he did not mean permanent displacement of Palestinians. Trump later attempted to clarify on Truth Social, stating that stability in the region could be achieved without U.S. military involvement.
Analysts speculate that Trump's remarks may have been an attempt to pressure Saudi Arabia into taking a larger role in Gaza's future. However, the broader reaction underscores how difficult it is to push new ideas for the region without igniting controversy.
Federal Employee Buyout Deadline Looms Amidst Musk's "Doge" Initiative
A major shakeup is underway in the federal workforce, as employees face a midnight deadline to accept a controversial buyout offer. The initiative aims to reduce federal employment by offering workers eight months of pay to voluntarily leave their positions.
Elon Musk and his associates, who are driving the effort, have claimed that the program could save $100 billion annually. However, uptake has been low, with only 1% of employees accepting the offer so far—far short of the 5-10% target.
As the deadline approaches, federal workers are being bombarded with messages urging them to take the buyout. Musk has framed the initiative as an effort to cut government waste, referring to "DOGE" as the "wood chipper for bureaucracy." But skepticism abounds, with some employees fearing that the deal is a ruse to get them to quit without compensation.
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