Trump meets Jordan’s King Abdullah as Gaza plan stirs tensions

Donald Trump’s proposal to redevelop Gaza and threats to cut aid to Jordan add strain to U.S.-Jordan relations.

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Jordan's King Abdullah at the White House in Washington, U.S., on February 11, 2025. Photo by Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

By Clarisa Sendy and Widya Putri

Former U.S. President Donald Trump met with Jordan’s King Abdullah on Tuesday in what was expected to be a tense encounter, as Trump’s proposal to redevelop Gaza and threats to cut aid to Jordan have sparked strong reactions across the Arab world. The meeting, held at the White House, came just days after Trump suggested that the U.S. should take over Gaza, relocate its residents, and transform the war-torn enclave into what he called the "Riviera of the Middle East."

His remarks have drawn widespread criticism from Arab leaders, who view the plan as unrealistic and destabilizing. King Abdullah, a key U.S. ally in the region, has firmly rejected any attempts to annex land or displace Palestinians, warning that such actions could fuel radicalism and threaten peace efforts.

The fragile ceasefire and hostages in Gaza

Trump’s meeting with King Abdullah also took place amid heightened tensions over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Hamas announced on Monday that it would stop releasing Israeli hostages from Gaza, accusing Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement. In response, Trump suggested canceling the ceasefire altogether if Hamas did not release all remaining hostages by the weekend.

The situation has added complexity to an already delicate regional dynamic. The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains at risk, and Trump’s statements have introduced new uncertainty into efforts to manage the crisis.

Trump’s evolving stance on Gaza and Palestinian refugees

Despite the backlash from Arab leaders, Trump has remained adamant about his Gaza redevelopment proposal. While he has modified some aspects of the plan, he has also shown increasing frustration with those who oppose it. On Monday, he suggested that King Abdullah might eventually accept Palestinian refugees, telling reporters, "I do think he'll take them."

When asked whether he would withhold U.S. aid from Jordan and Egypt if they refused to accept displaced Palestinians, Trump did not rule out the possibility. "Yeah, maybe, sure, why not?" he said. "If they don't agree, I would conceivably withhold aid."

Jordan’s precarious position and reliance on U.S. aid

Jordan, a country of 11 million people, already hosts more than 2 million Palestinian refugees. The presence of such a large refugee population has long been a source of political and economic strain for the kingdom. The country also relies heavily on U.S. military and economic assistance, receiving $1.45 billion annually. However, Trump has paused aid to Jordan for 90 days while his administration reviews foreign assistance programs.

While Israel and Egypt have been granted waivers allowing their aid packages to continue, Jordan’s funding remains frozen. Analysts say this puts King Abdullah in a vulnerable position, as Washington holds significant leverage over Amman’s economy and security.

The strategic importance of Jordan to the U.S.

Despite Trump’s threats to cut aid, experts argue that U.S. assistance to Jordan is not merely an act of generosity. Jordan plays a critical role in maintaining regional stability, hosting U.S. troops and air assets while serving as a key intelligence-sharing partner. The country also signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, making it a crucial ally in the Middle East.

Ghaith Al-Omari, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, emphasized Jordan’s strategic importance to the U.S. "The king would be hoping that these factors counterbalance the leverage that Trump has," he said.

A diplomatic standoff with lasting implications

The meeting between Trump and King Abdullah marked a pivotal moment in U.S.-Jordan relations. While both leaders avoided making public statements together, the closed-door discussions were likely to shape the future of American policy toward Gaza and the broader Middle East.

With Trump doubling down on his controversial proposals and Jordan resisting any attempts to displace Palestinians, the coming weeks could see further diplomatic friction. The outcome of these talks could have long-term consequences for Jordan’s stability, U.S. influence in the region, and the ongoing efforts to manage the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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