Trump Suggests Withholding Aid to Jordan, Egypt Over Palestinian Relocation

Washington, D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that he may withhold foreign aid from Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to take in Palestinians displaced by the ongoing war in Gaza.

During a discussion with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump was asked whether he would cut off aid to these countries if they did not agree to the relocation plan.

"Yeah, maybe. Sure, why not?" Trump responded. "If they don’t agree, I would conceivably withhold aid. Yeah."

U.S. Foreign Aid to Jordan & Egypt

Both Jordan and Egypt are among the largest recipients of U.S. military and foreign assistance:

• Jordan: Receives over $1 billion annually, based on a 2022 U.S.-Jordan memorandum.
• Egypt: Received approximately $1.5 billion in U.S. foreign assistance in fiscal year 2023.

Trump’s Plan for Gaza & Palestinian Relocation

Trump has proposed that the United States take control of Gaza and rebuild it as an economic hub. While the White House has stated that Palestinians would be temporarily relocated, Trump has suggested that they may not want or be allowed to return.

“They would love to leave Gaza if they could find a place to be,” Trump said.

However, Arab leaders strongly oppose the forced relocation of Palestinians. Jordan already hosts nearly 3 million Palestinian refugees, while Egypt sees any large influx as a security risk.

Jordan & Egypt’s Response

Both King Abdullah II of Jordan and Egyptian officials have rejected the idea of absorbing more Palestinian refugees, citing concerns over:

• Regional stability & security risks
• Potential for mass political unrest
• Threats to existing peace treaties with Israel

Trump is set to meet King Abdullah II in Washington on Tuesday, where the future of Gaza is expected to be a central topic. Meanwhile, Egypt has announced a summit of Arab nations on February 27 to discuss the crisis.