Democrats and Republicans lauded Trump’s announcement of the first phase of a peace plan to end the war in Gaza, with some Republican senators saying he is deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., said on X: “I congratulate @POTUS on this historic peace plan that releases all the hostages. Now, enduring peace in the region is possible. Our parties are different but we have a shared ironclad commitment to Israel and its people.”
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, said the agreement was encouraging.
“I appreciate President Trump’s work to bring Israel and Hamas to the table and am encouraged that an agreement has been made to release the remaining hostages taken on October 7 and begin a phased IDF withdrawal from Gaza. More work lies ahead, but this is very good news,” Kaine said on X.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., posted on X: “Nobody has worked harder for peace and stability in the Middle East than President Trump. I remain skeptical of Hamas’s motivations, but I am optimistic that the first steps announced today bring the region closer to peace than at any point in the last two years. It’s past time to return ALL of the hostages.”
Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the chair of the Armed Services Committee, thanked Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, among others. “After two years of bloodshed that started with the horrific October 7th attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel, the people in the region may finally have hope for a lasting peace. I commend the president, Secretary Rubio, and all those who worked diligently to bring about a serious peace deal,” he said in a statement.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., said: “After two years of horrific violence and unimaginable loss, we have an agreement for peace in the Middle East. President Trump delivered on his promise to bring the hostages home and peace & prosperity to the region.”
“@POTUS for the Nobel Peace Prize!” she added.
Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., told NBC News that he would be “supportive” of Trump’s receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, as well.
Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., expressed “cautious optimism” about phase one of the deal.
“Let’s hope it’s real,” he said.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, meanwhile, said the ceasefire and hostage agreement brings a “huge sigh of relief to the hostage families, to all of Israel, and to Palestinians who have suffered for so long in this horrific humanitarian catastrophe.”
“The work is not over, but any step to end this nightmare is one that should be celebrated and carefully implemented and followed through on,” said Schumer, D-N.Y.
He did not mention Trump in his 245-word statement.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., praised Trump, and took a dig at congressional Democrats in the process.
“What stands out tonight is the stunning contrast of what we’re seeing — this history is being made. Here’s President Trump showing peace through strength, using his power and position to bring peace to the Middle East,” Johnson said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity.
“I mean, a truly massive, historic foreign policy achievement,” he said, later adding, “And here’s the Democrats on Capitol Hill acting like a bunch of clowns.”
