President Donald Trump vows the US will never recognize a Palestinian state, blasting Canada and others for “rewarding” Hamas while insisting his focus is on humanitarian aid, not political concessions.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — US President Donald Trump delivered a blunt rejection Wednesday of any move to recognize a Palestinian state, warning it would amount to “rewarding Hamas” — the terrorist group responsible for the October 7 massacre in Israel.
Speaking to reporters, a senior White House official said:
“As the president stated, he would be rewarding Hamas if he recognizes a Palestinian state, and he doesn’t think they should be rewarded. So he is not going to do that. President Trump’s focus is on getting people fed in Gaza.”
The sharp statement came just hours after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Ottawa’s intention to recognize Palestine in September if the Palestinian Authority meets strict governance and security reforms.
Trump Breaks with Allies
If Canada proceeds, it would join France and the United Kingdom in laying the groundwork for formal Palestinian statehood recognition — a stance Trump flatly rejects.
When asked Tuesday about British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s parallel pledge, Trump was dismissive:
“We never did discuss it. We have no view on that. We’re going to get a lot of money to the area so they get some food.”
Humanitarian Focus — But No Political Concessions
Trump made clear that while the US intends to ramp up humanitarian aid for Gaza’s civilians, he will not push Israel into what he views as premature political compromises:
“You could make the case that you’re rewarding people — that you’re rewarding Hamas — if you do that. I don’t think they should be rewarded. I’m not in that camp, to be honest.”
The official declined to say whether Washington was given advance notice of Canada’s decision.
Trump’s refusal to endorse Palestinian statehood places Washington squarely at odds with the growing list of Western capitals — but in perfect alignment with Israel’s stance that recognition now would embolden Hamas and undermine ongoing ceasefire talks.
