Republicans Aren’t Dismissing Trump’s Proposal to Take Over Gaza

The president said he wants to “own” the Gaza Strip. Senators didn’t endorse the idea — but they also didn’t reject it outright.

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Samuel Corum/Sipa USA/Sipa USA via AP

President Donald Trump’s proposal to take over the Gaza Strip prompted scoffs and disgust from Democrats on Tuesday — and some consideration from Republicans.

“There’s probably a couple of kinks in that slinky, but I’ll have to look at [Trump’s] statement,” Sen. Thom Tillis told reporters after the president floated the idea of the U.S. occupying Gaza.

Republicans in the Senate didn’t exactly endorse the idea. But they were reluctant to break with Trump — even on a suggestion that could displace about 2 million people, mire the U.S. in war and enrage international allies.