Former US President Donald Trump delivered a stark warning to Hamas and launched a fresh attack on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell during a high-profile meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Florida resort.
Mar-a-Lago Meeting and Mutual Admiration
The gathering at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence on Monday saw a significant diplomatic gesture from the Israeli leader. Netanyahu announced that Trump would be awarded the Israel Prize, the nation's highest civilian honour. This marks the first time since the award's inception in the 1950s that it has been bestowed upon a non-Israeli.
During a press conference, Trump offered his full-throated support to Netanyahu and issued a severe warning to the Palestinian militant group. "Hamas will have 'hell to pay' if it fails to disarm," Trump stated emphatically. This meeting occurred amidst renewed efforts by Washington officials to push for Israeli concessions to advance the second phase of a Gaza peace plan, which halted a devastating two-year war in October.
Trump's Broadside Against the Federal Reserve
Turning his attention to domestic economic policy, Trump launched a fierce critique of the central bank and its chairman. He boasted about the state of the US economy before adding, "despite the fact that we have a fool at the Federal Reserve." He blamed President Joe Biden for reappointing Powell, omitting the fact that he himself first appointed Powell to the role in 2018.
Trump escalated his rhetoric by repeating false claims about the cost of renovating the Federal Reserve's headquarters and telling reporters he was considering legal action. He suggested he might file a lawsuit against Powell for "gross incompetence."
Other Developments and Political Fallout
In other remarks, Trump claimed, without providing details or subsequent White House confirmation, that US forces had struck a "big facility" in Venezuela. Meanwhile, a new Guardian/Harris poll delivered worrying news for the Trump administration, indicating that nearly half of Americans believe their financial security is worsening, with many blaming the White House.
In a separate development, the United States pledged $2bn in humanitarian assistance for 2025, describing it as a new delivery model following previous aid cuts. On the political front, outgoing Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed regret, stating she was "naive" for believing Trump was a man of the people.
Looking ahead, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi predicted Democrats would retake the majority in the 2026 midterm elections. As Trump's second term progresses, his actions continue to draw intense scrutiny and have a profound impact on various communities across the United States.
