Trump’s Peace Efforts Under Scrutiny as Rep. Donalds Applauds Israel-Hamas Deal

By Jim Thomas | Wednesday, 08 October 2025 10:54 PM EDT

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., praised former President Donald Trump as the “president of peace” during a Wednesday appearance on Newsmax, attributing Trump’s diplomatic efforts to securing an agreement between Israel and Hamas that could lead to the release of hostages and regional stability.

Speaking on “Greg Kelly Reports,” Donalds highlighted Trump’s role in negotiations aimed at freeing captives and establishing conditions for enduring peace in the Middle East. “First things first: Donald Trump is the president of peace,” he stated. “He’s been committed to the peace process—not just in the Middle East, but all around the world. He wants people to live in harmony and peace, and he should definitely be acknowledged by the Nobel Committee and everybody else once and for all.”

Trump recently announced that Israel and Hamas had reached the “first phase” of his peace plan, which includes a pause in hostilities and the release of at least some hostages. “ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace,” Trump said on Truth Social. “All Parties will be treated fairly!”

Donalds emphasized the significance of the development, expressing hope that the deal would hold. “My prayer is … that this deal holds, the hostages come home, and that you get an opportunity to have real security in the Middle East for Israelis and their families and have some closure once and for all,” he said. “This is a momentous day. Once again, Donald Trump and his team have been committed to finding a path forward towards peace.”

Negotiations are ongoing in Egypt, where officials are working under a framework backed by Trump’s administration, which believes the plan could lead to a permanent ceasefire and end the two-year conflict. Donalds contrasted Trump’s record with past criticisms from political opponents, noting that critics once warned of “World War III” if Trump were president. “Contrast that with what we were told a decade ago by the lamestream media and Hillary Clinton,” he said. “Once again, they put out lies that made no sense. The truth is, Donald Trump is the one who’s trying to bring peace not just to the Middle East, but to the entire world.”