President Donald Trump on Friday offered a muted response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to recognize a Palestinian state—marking a sharp contrast from his own Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other prominent Republicans, who strongly condemned the move a day earlier.
“What he says doesn’t matter,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “He’s a very good guy. I like him, but that statement doesn’t carry weight.”
Macron had announced via social media on Thursday that France would formally recognize a Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September. The French leader cited the need for an “immediate ceasefire,” the release of hostages held by Hamas, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also emphasized the demilitarization of Hamas and the reconstruction of the territory.
“The French people want peace in the Middle East,” Macron wrote in a translated letter shared with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, adding that “peace is possible.”
Although symbolic and lacking the authority to grant full U.N. membership, the move aligns France with the roughly 150 countries that currently recognize Palestinian statehood.
Trump’s restrained remarks stood in contrast to the strong rebukes from Secretary Rubio and Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton, who accused Macron of legitimizing Hamas and undermining peace efforts.
“The United States strongly rejects French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state,” Rubio posted on X. “This reckless decision only serves Hamas propaganda and sets back peace. It is a slap in the face to the victims of October 7th.”
Senator Graham called the move “curious and disturbing,” warning it would embolden Hamas and complicate ceasefire negotiations.
“Who’s in charge? What are the borders? What is the governance structure?” Graham asked rhetorically. “Other than these few missing details, it seems like a foolproof plan!”
Senator Cotton also lashed out, labeling the recognition “a shameful endorsement of terrorists” and urging the international community to back Israel’s mission to rescue hostages and defeat Hamas.
The Israeli government also reacted harshly. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning Macron’s announcement, calling it a reward for terrorism and a potential step toward creating a new Iranian proxy on Israel’s borders.
“A Palestinian state under these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel—not live in peace beside it,” Netanyahu said.
Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin was even more blunt, describing Macron’s move as “a black stain on France’s history and a direct boost to terrorism.” Levin called on Israel to respond by extending sovereignty over Judea, Samaria, and the Jordan Valley.
Despite growing international calls for a two-state solution, the Trump administration has remained firmly aligned with Israel and continues to reject U.N.-backed ceasefire resolutions promoted by European allies.
