Even liberal media is giving Trump credit for the Hamas hostage deal… despite Biden claiming it was down to him
Some consensus was reached among the panelists late Tuesday on CNN NewsNight following progress in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
As it became increasingly clear that an end to the now 15-month conflict could come to an end, host Abby Phillip stated that she was convinced that Donald Trump, despite not yet being president, had played a crucial role in the diplomatic talks .
Republican pundit Scott Jennings, often Phillip’s on-air opponent, agreed, as both praised Trump’s “candor” about the long-running hostage crisis compared to his Democratic counterpart.
Hours later, Joe Biden emerged from the Oval Office to confirm the ceasefire, revealing its terms and the fact that it will last 42 days so that all American hostages can be safely returned to the US.
The outgoing president said he introduced the agreement in the spring, while Trump hinted at a deal two hours earlier on social media.
In the months before, the president-elect repeatedly promised peace in the Middle East and an “America First” approach to foreign policy. He never gave details, but discussed the subject with his characteristic rhetoric and bravado.
‘I’m not going to start a war. I’m going to stop wars,” he said during his victory speech in November, as Biden maintained support for Israel in his fight against Hamas, with some concessions and caveats.
Phillip and Jennings both credited Trump’s firmer stance on the issue for the temporary solution, which it is hoped will see seven Americans ranging in age from 19 to 73 released for good.
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Some consensus was reached among panelists on CNN NewsNight late Tuesday when host Abby Phillip stated her belief that Donald Trump played a crucial role in the talks that cemented a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Hours later, Joe Biden would emerge from the Oval Office to confirm the deal, saying he came up with it last spring.
“I think all parties agree that Trump’s outspokenness has made a difference one way or another,” Phillip began.
“Yes, they don’t want to do business with Trump,” replied Jennings, who has emerged as a CNN Republican in the past year.
“He has made it perfectly clear that he is not wavering on his message,” he continued, before explaining his motivations.
‘[He’s been clear] that if they don’t send our people back, there will be hell to pay,” he said, causing Phillips and several other panelists to nod their heads as if in agreement.
“Thank God he followed that message and he didn’t deviate from it, he didn’t deviate from it. And honestly, I don’t really care who the president is if all this happens.
“I just want them back,” Jennings continued, proudly displaying his yellow ribbon on his chest – a symbol that has emerged as the international symbol of hope for the safe return of hostages.
“I’ve been wearing this yellow ribbon for over a year because I think there are so many families that are devastated – they’re hurting,” Jennings explained.
“They don’t know what the situation is,” he added. “It has to end, otherwise America will be involved.”
As it became increasingly clear that the fighting could end, host Abby Phillip stated her belief, prompting some of her fellow panelists to agree.
Among them was Scott Jennings, who has been demanding for months that all American hostages be returned safely to the United States
The conservative subsequently conceded the land[may] Ultimately, we will pay a high price with this deal,” saying that “some terrorists will likely be released from prison.”
“I don’t really like that,” Jennings said. “But to solve this, to get peace and to get our people back, I think it took Trump to win the election and be clear about it, to make it happen.”
At another point in the conversations, the prominent political strategist offered more insight behind his reasoning.
Speaking from the perspective of members of Hamas and other terror groups, he stated: “What you have seen is the Biden administration…[ting] shackles for Israel.
“You can say they’ve been strong about it,” he quickly denied. “But they have tried to impose rhetorical and military chains on Israel.
“There is no expectation that Trump will impose chains on anyone,” he continued, pointing to the newly elected president’s more transparent approach to the peace talks.
“And there is some expectation that he himself will get involved, if they don’t send our people back,” he added, still speaking from the perspective of terrorists.
“I think that’s the essential element to getting this over the fence.”
In a rare event, both agreed that Trump’s stronger stance on the issue paves the way for the temporary solution, which would see the release of seven Americans ranging in age from 19 to 73.
Relatives of Israeli hostages in Gaza gathered in front of the Ministry of Defense yesterday to hold a demonstration demanding a ceasefire and a hostage swap deal in Gaza
“A great nation, a superpower, will not allow its people to be held and treated for so long,” Jennings told the audience at one point. In the photo four of the seven remaining American hostages
Near the end of the conversation, the station’s senior political commentator offered one final jab at Biden — perhaps his last as his presidency draws to a close.
“A great nation, a superpower, does not allow its people to be held and treated for so long,” he told the audience.
“I don’t think Donald Trump wants to take over a country if it is willing to allow that kind of behavior from these thugs and terrorists.
“I think that’s why he was ‘clear’ in his statements, and I think that’s why they responded.”
The next day, Biden’s own State Department released a statement — one that confirmed that Trump’s team played a crucial role in the deal since concluded.
“When it comes to the commitment of President-elect Trump’s team, it has been critical to getting this deal across the finish line,” spokesman Matthew Miller said at the White House on Wednesday afternoon.
“We obviously thank the Trump team.”
On Wednesday, Biden’s own State Department issued a statement saying Trump’s team played a crucial role in the hostage deal — something Biden appeared to disagree with
The president – flanked by Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken – appeared reluctant to offer any tributes moments later in the day. He told a reporter who asked during his own speech whether Trump played a role: “Is that a joke?” When told no, Biden walked away
Trump also praised his own performance on Truth Social a few hours earlier, telling his followers: “We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released soon. Thank you!’
Biden, however, seemed hesitant to offer any credit later in the day, telling a reporter who asked during his own speech whether Trump played a role: “Is that a joke?”
When told no, Biden said “oh” and left the press conference.