A surprising chorus of support emerges from leading Democrats after the U.S. helps broker a cease-fire and hostage release between Israel and Hamas.
In a turn few expected, prominent critics of President Donald Trump—including former President Bill Clinton, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and former Vice President Kamala Harris—have offered public commendation for the Trump administration’s role in brokering a Gaza cease-fire and hostage exchange.
Bill Clinton told Fox News that “President Trump and his administration, Qatar, and other regional actors deserve great credit” after “the last 20 hostages [were] freed” and humanitarian aid began flowing into Gaza.
Schumer, in a formal statement, called the day “a wonderful day” and remarked that the outcome brought “a huge sigh of relief to the hostage families … all of Israel, and to Palestinians who have suffered for so long.”
Harris, while avoiding explicit mention of Trump by name, lauded “the president” for the deal’s humanitarian outcome and the release of Israeli hostages. Her gesture underscores how even on the left, acknowledgement of diplomatic success is crossing partisan lines.
This deal comes after more than two years of devastating conflict that began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. The agreement secures a cease-fire and the return of 20 remaining hostages held by Hamas, in exchange for the release of over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody.
Trump presented a “20-point peace plan” to frame the agreement’s terms, though critics note key gaps remain—particularly around disarmament of Hamas, the governance structure of Gaza, and long-term security, according to Reuters.
Still, the public praise from former adversaries gives the administration a rare bipartisan boost. Even some Democrats, such as Senator Elizabeth Warren, who are still cautious of overt endorsement, have acknowledged that “credit is due” in achieving a breakthrough many considered intractable.
