Trump Shrugs Off France’s Palestinian State Recognition as Rubio Slams Macron

President Donald Trump took a surprisingly casual stance on Friday regarding French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly next September. Speaking from the White House, Trump brushed off the move with a nonchalant, "What he says doesn't matter," adding a personal nod to Macron by calling him a "very good guy" despite the disagreement.

Macron's decision, shared via a public letter on X to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, emphasized an urgent need for peace in the Middle East. He called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid for Gaza, alongside plans to demilitarize Hamas and rebuild the region. Yet, this symbolic gesture—while supported by around 150 UN member states—doesn't guarantee full diplomatic recognition or membership.

While Trump's response was mild, the backlash from other prominent Republicans was anything but. Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the French move as "reckless" and a direct insult to the victims of the October 7th Hamas attack. Rubio's sharp rebuke on X underscored a firm U.S. rejection of Macron's plan, arguing it fuels Hamas propaganda and hinders peace efforts.

Senators Lindsay Graham and Tom Cotton echoed Rubio's outrage. Graham questioned the logistics of such recognition with a biting sarcasm, asking who would govern, what the borders would be, and whether Hamas would retain influence. Cotton went further, branding the decision a "shameful endorsement of terrorists," insisting that supporting Israel’s mission to defeat Hamas is the only path to resolution.

Israeli leadership also reacted with fierce condemnation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that recognizing a Palestinian state under current conditions rewards terror and could turn it into a launchpad for attacks against Israel. Deputy Prime Minister Yariv Levin called the move a "black stain on France’s history," reaffirming Israel’s claim to the land and dismissing Macron’s declaration as inconsequential.

This transatlantic rift highlights a deeper divide on how to approach peace in the Middle East, with France pushing for symbolic recognition while the U.S. and Israel stand firm against what they see as a dangerous precedent. As tensions simmer, the world watches to see if Macron can rally more allies to his cause—or if this move will remain a solitary statement.