Former U.S. President Donald Trump once again dominated the global stage this week, turning a high-level summit on the Gaza crisis into a display of personal confidence, sharp criticism, and self-promotion.
The summit, held in Geneva under the United Nations’ supervision, gathered leaders from Israel, Arab nations, and humanitarian organizations to address Gaza’s worsening humanitarian situation. Yet, what was meant to be a serious diplomatic dialogue became a showcase of Trump’s trademark style — bold statements, dramatic pauses, and unapologetic self-focus.
Trump Takes Center Stage
Wearing his signature red tie and surrounded by close aides, Trump took the podium with his familiar energy. He began by praising his previous achievements. “No one has done more for peace in the Middle East than me,” he declared, referring to the 2020 Abraham Accords that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states.
Within minutes, the discussion shifted from humanitarian aid to Trump’s record and worldview. He criticized the Biden administration for being “weak and indecisive,” blaming current leadership for “chaos and bloodshed” in the region. “When I was in office, there was respect — real respect,” he said, drawing both applause and disapproval from the audience.
Praise and Provocation
Trump alternated between flattering certain leaders and sharply criticizing others. He described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “a strong friend” but also warned Israel to “show restraint” to maintain global support.
He offered warm praise to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the UAE’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, calling them “men who understand strength.” His tone shifted when speaking about Qatar and Jordan. “They talk too much and do too little,” Trump remarked, causing visible discomfort among several delegates.
At one point, he turned his attention to Europe. “Europe talks, America acts,” he said, dismissing European diplomacy as “moral lectures without results.” The EU’s foreign policy chief frowned, later telling reporters, “True diplomacy needs humility, not headlines.”
Dividing the Room
Reactions in the room were immediate. Some delegates acknowledged Trump’s energy and influence. Others viewed his speech as disruptive. Egyptian and Turkish representatives left the hall early, while humanitarian officials expressed frustration that the meeting’s purpose — saving lives in Gaza — was being overshadowed by political theater.
“He treats diplomacy like a campaign rally,” one Middle Eastern envoy said. “This was supposed to be about people, not ego.”
Despite the criticism, Trump’s message resonated with parts of his American base. His call to “make America lead again” and his promise to “bring peace through strength” echoed familiar campaign slogans, fueling speculation that he was using the summit to project himself as a global statesman ahead of another presidential run.
The Gaza Crisis: A Hardline Stance
Amid the drama, Gaza’s humanitarian situation remained dire. More than two million residents continue to face shortages of water, food, and medicine. The summit had been organized to coordinate relief and discuss steps toward a ceasefire.
Trump, however, kept his position firm. “Hamas must be completely dismantled before peace can even be discussed,” he insisted. He urged Arab countries to take greater responsibility for reconstruction and aid. “The U.S. can’t pay forever. The region must step up — they have money, they have power, and they should use it.”
He stopped short of endorsing a two-state solution but suggested he was open to “creative options.” As usual, he offered no clear plan, only the conviction that he alone could deliver results.
Diplomats React
Several diplomats were caught off guard by Trump’s directness. “It felt like half-theater, half-negotiation,” said one European delegate. Israeli officials privately admitted that, although they appreciated Trump’s strong stance, his words might complicate ongoing peace talks.
“He speaks with emotion, not diplomacy,” said an Israeli diplomat. “It’s powerful, but it can confuse allies.”
Palestinian representatives were far less restrained. They called Trump’s remarks “arrogant” and “disconnected from reality.” “Peace cannot come from someone who refuses to acknowledge Palestinian suffering,” a spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority stated.
Analysts Interpret Trump’s Motives
Experts see Trump’s participation as part of a calculated strategy to reestablish his influence in global politics. “He wants the world to remember that he still matters,” said Dr. Lina Haddad, a Middle East analyst at the London School of Economics. “By appearing at the summit, he’s reminding leaders that he can still shape the conversation — even without power.”
Others say the move could backfire. “Trump thrives on attention, but diplomacy requires restraint,” noted U.S. analyst Richard Campbell. “His confidence inspires his supporters but alienates those working for quiet progress.”
The Global Response
Trump’s comments quickly became global headlines. Supporters praised his “fearless honesty,” while critics called his performance narcissistic and tone-deaf. Social media platforms buzzed with hashtags like #TrumpAtGazaSummit and #OnlyOneThatMatters, turning the event into a digital spectacle.
World leaders responded cautiously. The United Nations issued a short statement reaffirming its commitment to “multilateral dialogue and shared responsibility,” a subtle rebuke to Trump’s one-man approach.
The Aftermath
When the summit ended, little progress had been achieved toward a ceasefire or aid plan. Yet Trump had once again managed to dominate global attention. His words overshadowed detailed policy discussions, leaving diplomats debating whether his presence helped or harmed efforts for peace.
Supporters argued that Trump’s “tough talk” might pressure both sides to take negotiations seriously. Critics countered that his self-centered approach distracted from the urgent humanitarian crisis.
Diplomacy or Drama?
In many ways, the Gaza summit became a reflection of Trump’s political persona — commanding, polarizing, and impossible to ignore. His statement, “I am the only one that matters,” summed up his philosophy of leadership: a belief that personality and strength outweigh institutions and consensus.
Whether his involvement changes anything on the ground remains uncertain. But one thing is clear — Trump succeeded once more in shifting the world’s attention toward himself.
For some, that charisma represents leadership. For others, it reveals a deeper problem — the transformation of global diplomacy into political theater.
As one European diplomat summarized, “He didn’t solve Gaza. But he made everyone watch. And maybe, that was his goal all along.”
