Dems largely quiet as Trump headlines historic peace summit in Egypt, Israeli hostages set free

WASHINGTON — In the wake of President Trump’s significant impact on negotiating a crucial peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Democratic response has been largely muted as he participated in the landmark “Summit for Peace” in Egypt.

On Capitol Hill, while some lawmakers commended the hostage exchange and celebrated the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas, very few acknowledged Trump’s participation in the agreement, and many prominent left-leaning figures remained silent.

Notably, far-left figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), both of whom have called Israel’s actions in Gaza a “genocide,” did not offer any comments on the situation.

“If you’re really claiming it was a genocide, then you would agree that Donald Trump just put an end to a genocide, correct?” remarked entrepreneur Mike Solana on social media, highlighting the contrasts in responses.

Even the handful of Democrats who did acknowledge Trump’s efforts mostly appeared to do so with reluctance or only after being questioned by the press.

“We shouldn’t shy away from giving credit where it’s due,” stated former Vice President Kamala Harris in a somewhat awkward reply on MSNBC’s “The Weekend” after the host noted Hillary Clinton’s praise for Trump.

“I certainly hope the deal materializes,” she added. “I commend all the stakeholders involved in this effort, including the Qataris, the Egyptians, and the president.”

Several other Democratic members of Congress made similar remarks commending the hostages’ return and the ceasefire, but unlike Harris, they did not mention Trump at all.

“It’s both extraordinary and heart-wrenching to witness the hostages finally reunited with their families in Israel after such a prolonged ordeal. This relief is long overdue, and we hope for continued peace-building efforts,” expressed House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) on social media.

Stay updated on the Israel-Hamas cease-fire exchange

• Emotional reunions as freed Gaza hostages return to their families after two years
• Israel begins the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of serious crimes
• New York politicians celebrate the return of Israeli hostages: ‘A new chapter for lasting peace’
• Trump proclaims the ‘end of an age of terror and violence’ during a jubilant address to Israel’s parliament

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) also notably refrained from commending Trump, stating, “I’m grateful that all 20 living Israeli hostages are back with their families. Additionally, we need to facilitate humanitarian assistance into Gaza for Palestinian civilians.”

“We must recommit to a just and lasting peace in the region,” Jeffries asserted in a post on X. “Anything less is unacceptable.”

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), one of the few Democratic leaders to acknowledge Trump, commented on the significant day.

“Today marks a momentous occasion. Finally, finally, finally, the last surviving hostages held by Hamas are home. It’s an enormous relief,” he declared in a statement acquired by The Post.

“I commend the relentless efforts of the hostage families, as well as President Trump, his administration, and everyone else involved in facilitating this moment.”

Follow The Post’s live blog for ongoing updates on the hostage release as the Israel-Hamas cease-fire unfolds.

Hillary Clinton stands out as one of the few Democrats who gave credit to her former adversary willingly.

“I genuinely commend President Trump and his administration, along with the Arab leaders in the region, for their commitment to the 20-point plan and for paving the way toward what is often described as the day after,” Clinton stated in an interview with CBS News 24/7 last week.

Former President Bill Clinton followed suit, asserting that Trump and all those involved in the negotiation deserve substantial credit.

Later that day, former President Joe Biden eventually joined in on praising Trump, saying, “The journey to this agreement was challenging.” He mentioned in a statement, “My Administration worked tirelessly to secure the return of hostages, provide relief to Palestinian civilians, and end the conflict. I commend President Trump and his team for their dedication in finalizing a renewed ceasefire deal.”

Prominent figures like former President Barack Obama also celebrated the peace breakthrough without referencing Trump.

Meanwhile, several former administration officials seemed to suggest they had laid the groundwork for this significant achievement.

“It’s commendable that President Trump adopted and advanced the plan initiated by the Biden Administration,” remarked former Secretary of State Antony Blinken this past Saturday, just after the ceasefire was announced.

“I also commend President Trump for reaffirming the essential principles we outlined for Gaza at the onset of the conflict.”

Former National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan echoed this, claiming that the finalized deal is “quite comparable” to the framework previously established by the Biden administration. He too required prompting by CNN anchor Dana Bash to acknowledge Trump’s contribution.

Trump received a rousing welcome during his address to the Israeli Knesset on Monday, where he highlighted the successes of his administration’s peace framework.

Afterward, he met with leaders from over two dozen countries in Egypt to discuss strategies for strengthening reconstruction efforts in the Gaza Strip post-conflict.

The Post has reached out to representatives for Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders, Jeffries, and Biden for their comments.