President Trump wants the U.S. to “own” Gaza, and House Speaker Mike Johnson appears to have his back.
When pressed on whether he supported the president’s wish to have the U.S. rebuild and develop the war-demolished Mideast strip, Mr. Johnson, Louisiana Republican, appeared to welcome the notion.
“The initial announcement yesterday, I think, was greeted by surprise by many, but cheered by people all around the world,” Mr. Johnson said Wednesday during the House GOP’s leadership press conference.
“Why? Because that area is so dangerous, and he’s taking bold, decisive action to try to assure the peace of refuge,” he continued. “It’s a bold move — certainly far bolder than what’s been done before.”
Mr. Trump announced during a press conference alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday that the U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip and relocate the 2.2 million Palestinians there to create a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
While Mr. Johnson didn’t succinctly support Mr. Trump’s play call, he argued that America must stand “unequivocally, in an unwavering manner” with Israel.
SEE ALSO: Trump says U.S. will ‘take over’ Gaza strip, won’t rule out military force
The speaker is slated to meet with Mr. Netanyahu on Thursday and said Mr. Trump’s proposal would be part of their discussion.
Noting that Iran and its terrorist proxies have openly stated their desire to eliminate the Jewish state, the speaker said, “So it just makes sense to make the neighborhood there safer. I think that’s logical. I think that follows common sense. I think people understand the necessity of it.”
He also stood by Mr. Trump’s promise to dismantle the Education Department and contended that Republicans have long held that education should be handled at the state rather than the federal level to empower parents in their schooling decisions.
“I think that is an idea whose time has come,” he said.
When further pressed about the president’s and tech billionaire Elon Musk’s involvement in trying to shutter agencies, like the U.S. Agency for International Development, and whether that superseded Congress’ authority, the speaker chalked it up to a “gross overreaction in the media.”
He said the Trump administration wasn’t usurping Congress’ constitutional authority and noted that it’s up to the executive branch to evaluate how executive agencies, like the Education Department and USAID, are running and using taxpayer dollars.
SEE ALSO: Trump not aiming to place soldiers in Gaza, White House says
“They’re using that authority right now in a way it hasn’t been used in a long time. So it looks radical,” Mr. Johnson said. “It’s not. I call it stewardship.”
• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.
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