Just days before Donald Trump officially returns to the presidency, the world witnessed a surprising shift in foreign policy dynamics: a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. What’s even more unexpected? Prominent figures from the progressive left—many of whom have been harsh critics of Trump—are crediting him for pulling this off while hammering the outgoing Biden-Harris administration for failing to do the same.
It’s a rare moment of alignment between Trump and his staunchest ideological critics. They aren’t necessarily praising the man, but they’re acknowledging the results. And, in typical political fashion, the ceasefire has become a stick to beat Biden with, as many argue the outgoing administration’s inaction led to unnecessary civilian casualties in Gaza.
The Ceasefire: A Political Game-Changer
Let’s unpack what happened. Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, reportedly played a major role in the negotiations, even with Biden still in office. The fact that Trump’s team was allowed to take the reins so close to Inauguration Day shows just how ineffective the Biden administration had been in handling the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Saagar Enjeti, a journalist and co-host of Breaking Points, called the ceasefire “an incredible achievement by Trump and an incredible humiliation of Joe Biden.” That pretty much sums up the sentiment among progressives and independents alike: Trump managed to do in weeks what Biden and Harris couldn’t accomplish in years.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t just about peace in the Middle East. The ceasefire has become a symbol of competence—or lack thereof—in foreign policy. And for Biden, the optics are bad. This deal casts a long shadow over his administration’s legacy, especially as it pertains to one of the world’s most contentious conflicts.
Progressive Voices: Mixed Praise and Harsh Criticism
What’s fascinating is how many progressive voices are jumping in to both begrudgingly praise Trump and slam Biden. Glenn Greenwald, the Pulitzer-winning journalist, acknowledged Trump’s role in ending the violence in Gaza. Greenwald has never been a fan of Trump, but he didn’t mince words: “Anyone who causes an end to Israel’s civilian destruction in Gaza has done a good thing, and there’s no denying his key role.”
Then there’s Ryan Grim, co-host of Counter Points. He took it a step further, suggesting this accomplishment could have earned Trump a Nobel Peace Prize “in another world.” While Grim was quick to note the unlikelihood of that ever happening, his point was clear: This deal is a significant diplomatic win.
Sabby Sabs, a progressive podcaster, wasn’t as diplomatic. She criticized Biden and Harris for failing to act sooner, pointing to the lives lost in Gaza as a direct result of their inaction. Her comments were scathing: “I don’t like Trump, but he’s showing you what a president can do.”
Even academics like As’ad AbuKhalil, a political science professor at California State University, joined the chorus of criticism. He accused Biden and Harris of misleading Arab-American voters in Michigan, a key swing state. The 2024 election saw a massive shift among Arab-American voters in Wayne County, driven by dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of the conflict.
The Realignment of Arab-American Voters
The election results in Michigan tell a story that should worry Democrats. Arab-American voters, who have traditionally leaned blue, turned away from Biden in significant numbers. In Wayne County, frustration over the administration’s inability to broker peace was palpable. Many voters felt betrayed by campaign promises that never materialized.
Briahna Joy Gray, former press secretary for Bernie Sanders and host of the Bad Faith Podcast, mocked Vice President Harris’s earlier claims of working “tirelessly” to bring about a ceasefire. It’s clear many progressives see this as a failure of leadership, and Trump’s success in brokering the deal only underscores that point.
The group “Abandon Harris,” which actively worked to ensure Harris’s political downfall, released a statement crediting Trump for the ceasefire. They didn’t hold back, claiming the war would have continued “until every last Palestinian in Gaza was wiped out” if Biden or Harris had remained in power.
Our Take
While Trump’s ceasefire deal is undeniably a win for diplomacy, the reactions it’s sparked reveal deep divisions within the political landscape. For conservatives, this moment highlights the importance of strong, decisive leadership—something Trump has consistently emphasized throughout his career.
But there’s a troubling aspect to this story: the apparent incompetence of the outgoing administration. Allowing Trump’s envoy to take charge just days before his return to office raises serious questions about Biden and Harris’s ability to lead on the global stage. If they couldn’t handle this, what else might they have failed to address?
This moment also underscores a broader shift in American politics. The realignment of Arab-American voters in places like Michigan signals growing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s handling of key issues. And while progressives may begrudgingly give Trump credit, their critiques of Biden and Harris are scathing.
At the end of the day, the ceasefire is a step in the right direction. But it’s also a reminder that leadership matters. Trump’s ability to step in and deliver results where others failed is a lesson both parties should take to heart.
