President Donald Trump will welcome King Abdullah II of Jordan to the White House today while raising the stakes for both nations to comply with his Middle East reshaping agenda involving Gaza Palestinian refugee relocation. The conference happens during a shaky Gaza truce after Hamas decided to end its hostage program yet Trump plans to stop American financial support to Jordan and Egypt unless they agree with his proposal.
The relocation plan proposed by Trump to transfer Palestinians from Gaza towards neighboring countries without the right to return faces strong disapprobation among Middle Eastern leaders. Jordan stands completely against the plan because Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi asserts the opposition continues without wavering. Security-related issues regarding acceptance of more refugees persist for Egypt and Jordan even when temporary holding is considered.
Trump shows resistance to the criticism while indicating his willingness to block monetary assistance to compel other countries to support his plans. He explained his plan to reporters saying “I would conceivably withhold aid, yes” if countries did not show support. The president suggested that America should govern Gaza while envisioning it as becoming the “Riviera of the Middle East” but the specifics of his proposed governance remain unclear. 
Trump’s aggressive foreign policy agenda in the Middle East becomes more evident through his visit despite multiple warnings from both allies and opponents that his strategies could create regional instability. The present meeting between regional leaders carries important consequences due to escalating tensions and an endangered ceasefire agreement.
