In a rare and unexpected moment of bipartisan praise, Democratic Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania extended congratulations to President Donald Trump following the announcement of a breakthrough peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. The senator, who has been a staunch supporter of Israel throughout the conflict, praised the president’s efforts and affirmed their shared “ironclad commitment” to America’s key Middle Eastern ally.
Fetterman posted his message on X alongside a screenshot of Trump’s Truth Social statement, in which the president declared, “Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first Phase of our Peace Plan. This means that 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.”
For a president known for his brash style and turbulent relationship with political norms, Trump’s announcement marked a stunning diplomatic development. The proposed peace framework, reportedly negotiated with the help of mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, would see hostages released, Israeli troop withdrawals to a defined perimeter, and potential de-escalation toward a more stable regional outlook.
Trump framed the announcement with characteristic flourish: “This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America… BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS!”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and others have already called for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, but some in Trump’s orbit are aiming even higher. Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) made headlines with his dramatic call to repeal presidential term limits if peace is achieved: “The Nobel Peace Prize isn’t enough… There will never be another one like him.”
When asked on Fox News whether he believes Trump deserves the award, Fetterman struck a more grounded note—but didn’t rule it out. He argued that peace-making should be the very purpose of the Nobel Peace Prize and added that if Trump were to end both the Israel-Hamas war and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, “I’ll be the Democrat leading the committee for his [Nobel Peace Prize].”
The moment is notable not only for the magnitude of the proposed agreement but for the rare window it opens into bipartisan acknowledgment of statesmanship. For Fetterman, long seen as a progressive outlier on Israel policy within his party, the gesture signals a willingness to credit results over rhetoric.
Peace in the Middle East has long been the elusive dream of presidents, prime ministers, and peacemakers. Whether this is the start of something enduring or a temporary reprieve remains to be seen. But in this moment—rare, historic, and politically surprising—leaders from both sides of the aisle seem to agree on one thing: this is a day to recognize.
