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Analysis

Donald Trump’s inaugural speech was more muted on Israel than many expected

Only a single paragraph, about Trump wanting to be “a peacemaker and unifier”, referenced Israel

January 24, 2025 15:12
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President Trump inaugural address (Getty Images)
3 min read

President Donald Trump is a natural showman, prone to bold, colourful language. Like all politicians, he also loves taking credit for his wins. So it was striking that the day after Hamas released three Israeli hostages, he devoted more time in his inaugural address to Panama and its canal than to Israel.

Israel was a prominent issue during the 2024 campaign. It’s also remained in the news. Yet only a single paragraph, about Trump’s wanting to be “a peacemaker and unifier”, referenced Israel. He said: “I’m pleased to say that as of yesterday, one day before I assumed office, the hostages in the Middle East are coming back home to their families.”

Notably, this omitted Israel, the nation from which the hostages were stolen. That was surprising since Americans generally, and Republican voters in particular, support Israel. As Jewish Insider reported, this line “drew a wide and bipartisan standing ovation from a majority of attendees at the Capitol Rotunda ceremony.”

This was likely more muted than what Trump had hoped to say. Speculation had swirled that he wanted to echo President Reagan’s triumphant 1981 inauguration-linked release of US hostages from Iran. Trump’s version saw Hamas release three hostages Sunday, with 33 in total expected to be released over six weeks. (Ninety-four hostages remain in Gaza, 34 of whom are presumed dead.)