Trump’s Middle East Announcement Followed Urgent Note From Secretary of State
President Donald Trump announced a potential breakthrough in Middle East peace negotiations yesterday, moments after receiving a handwritten note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging him to approve a related Truth Social post.
The exchange occurred during a roundtable meeting at the White House with conservative influencers, while Attorney General Pam Bondi was speaking. According to reports, Rubio handed Trump the note and then whispered in his ear as Bondi concluded her remarks. The note, captured by Associated Press Chief Photographer Evan Vucci, read, “We need you to approve a Truth Social post soon so you can announce deal first.” Trump then told the assembled media, “OK, I was just given a note by the secretary of state saying, ‘we’re very close to a deal in the Middle East’ and they’re gonna need me pretty quickly.”
Approximately two hours later, Trump posted on Truth Social claiming that Israel and Hamas had signed off on the first phase of a peace plan, including the release of all hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli troops. He stated, “This is a GREAT Day for the Arab and Muslim World, Israel, all surrounding Nations, and the United States of America.” Jared Kushner and U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff were reportedly in Egypt negotiating the details of the agreement, despite Kushner holding no official position in the administration. This development comes as Kushner has increasingly taken a central role in international negotiations. For more on the ongoing conflict, see the Council on Foreign Relations’ coverage.
The incident raises questions about the administration’s communication protocols, particularly given Trump’s recent accidental posting of a private message to Truth Social where he urged Attorney General Bondi to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey. Trump has also been critical of the use of autopens by his predecessor, Joe Biden, even launching investigations into Biden’s executive orders. The White House has not yet commented on the exchange with Secretary Rubio.
Officials say further details of the peace plan are expected to be released in the coming days.
