Kamala Harris Lauds Israeli Hostage Deal, Refuses to Say Trump’s Name
Former Vice President Kamala Harris praised the successful ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the release of the final 20 Israeli hostages — but conspicuously refused to mention the name of the man who brokered it: President Donald Trump.
In a statement posted Monday night, Harris hailed the development as “an important first step toward a more hopeful future,” commending “the President and his team” without acknowledging Trump directly.
“I am thankful and deeply encouraged that this ceasefire has brought long-awaited moments of joy and reunion — as 20 Israeli hostages are finally reunited with their loved ones and Palestinian families and the people of Gaza begin to receive desperately needed relief from unimaginable suffering,” Harris wrote on X.
“I commend the leaders and partners whose efforts made this agreement possible, including the President and his team,” she added, sidestepping any mention of Trump — who defeated her in the 2024 election and has now delivered one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs of his second term.
Trump unveiled his 20-point plan to end the war on Sept. 29. Hamas accepted the terms by Oct. 8, and Israel’s security cabinet followed suit the next day. The ceasefire began this past Friday, with the final phase culminating Monday as Hamas released the last living hostages.
Despite the global praise Trump has received — including from some unlikely quarters — Harris has maintained a pattern of vague acknowledgment, referring to him only by title in interviews. Speaking to MSNBC’s The Weekend, Harris said, “I don’t think that we should hold in credit where it’s due,” before again applauding “the president” while mentioning the roles played by Qatar and Egypt.
President Trump addressed the Israeli Knesset on Monday and joined over two dozen world leaders in Cairo at the “Summit for Peace,” where he called the agreement a “miracle” that had “answered the prayers of millions.”
Meanwhile, Harris’ refusal to credit Trump has drawn scrutiny, especially as other Democrats split on how to handle the former president’s role. Some, like Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, acknowledged Trump’s success directly. Biden posted Monday: “I commend President Trump and his team for their work to get a renewed ceasefire deal over the finish line.”
Others took jabs, like Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), who wrote, “Raising hell at home & then pretending to be the President of Peace is diabolical.”
Harris ended her statement with a call for continued work: “There is still much more to do to secure a lasting peace, ensure the safety and dignity of every innocent life, and build a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in freedom and security.”
The ongoing conflict had become a divisive issue within the Democratic base — especially among progressives — and created headwinds for Harris’ faltering 2024 presidential campaign.
But for now, it’s Trump whose name is ringing in the halls of Jerusalem and Cairo — even if some still can’t bring themselves to say it.