Trump rejects Palestinian recognition, signals pressure on China

U.S> President Donald “disagrees” with Western nations recognising a Palestinian state, the White House said Monday (September 22, 2025) and warned such moves reward Hamas.

The White House also acknowledged farmer anxiety as trade talks with China remain unresolved.

Asked about multiple European governments’ recognition of a Palestinian state, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president strongly opposes the move.

“He feels this does not do anything to release the hostages, which is the primary goal right now in Gaza, does nothing to end this conflict and bring this war to a close, and frankly, he believes it’s a reward to Hamas,” she told reporters.

Ms. Leavitt said Mr. Trump would expand on that position in his address to the General Assembly, stressing that the president views the recognition push as “more talk and not enough action from some of our friends and allies.”

The remarks come as the conflict in Gaza continues to reverberate globally. Mr. Trump has framed his approach as focused on immediate security goals, including freeing hostages, rather than broader diplomatic recognition debates.

Falling crop prices

During the press conference, reporters pressed the White House about falling crop prices and farmers’ unease without a new trade deal in place. Ms. Leavitt said the administration was “completely aware” of the issue and that it has been central to discussions with Beijing.

“We very much understand the anxiety of farmers,” she said. “There have been many meetings on this, and the entire National Economic Council, as well as Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, have been talking with the trade team about it.”

She did not announce new measures but said the administration continues to weigh options.

Reporters asked about President Vladimir Putin’s offer of a one-year extension on the latest nuclear arms treaty. Ms. Leavitt said Mr. Trump was aware of the proposal and described it as sounding “pretty good,” though she deferred further comment to Mr. Trump himself.

Responding to questions, Leavitt confirmed Trump is also reviewing a letter sent by Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. She dismissed it as filled with “a lot of lies.” She reiterated the U.S. view that Maduro’s regime is illegitimate and linked to drug trafficking.