The White House Says Trump Hasn’t Committed to Sending Troops to Gaza — But Won’t Rule It Out

“This is an out-of-the-box idea,” Karoline Leavitt told reporters at Wednesday’s press briefing.

Karoline Leavitt

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a briefing at the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Evan Vucci/AP

President Donald Trump “has not committed” to sending U.S. military to Gaza as part of his new proposal to “own” the territory, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday, though she did not rule out the possibility.

Pressed by a reporter on whether Trump wants “boots on the ground,” she said, “The president has not committed to that just yet.”

The remarks appeared to bring down the temperature on the president’s surprise announcement, which even some in his own party did not anticipate.