Hillary Clinton broke with many Democratic critics by praising President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan as “the only game in town” during an interview at 92NY in New York on June 15, 2026, calling it a viable pathway to end the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Speaking with New Yorker editor David Remnick, Clinton acknowledged the political difficulty of supporting a Trump initiative. “There are a lot of people who reject it because Trump did it, but it’s the only game in town. There’s nothing else,” she said, according to Fox News.
Clinton described the plan as offering “a pathway to security for Israel, reconstruction for Gaza, and the possibility of self-determination — however defined — for the Palestinians.” She emphasized that if the full 20-point framework were implemented comprehensively, rather than selectively, it could provide a credible path forward.
Trump’s 20-point plan was unveiled in late September 2025 and calls for Gaza to become a “deradicalized terror-free zone” with comprehensive reconstruction and economic development. The plan began implementation when Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in early October 2025, marking the start of what became known as phase one of the peace process.
Clinton’s endorsement marks a notable shift in Democratic messaging around Trump’s Middle East policy. When Trump initially proposed Gaza-related initiatives in February 2025, Democrats responded sharply, with some calling the proposals “insane” and “horrifying.” However, as the peace framework evolved and a ceasefire took hold, Democratic leaders gradually offered more measured support, though many avoided explicitly crediting Trump for the breakthrough.
The former Secretary of State added nuance to her support, noting that the plan’s success hinges on full implementation of all 20 points, not just selective measures. She specifically highlighted the importance of Hamas disarmament as a critical early step, describing it as “a huge, important step yet to be accomplished.”
Clinton’s remarks came as the Trump administration continued advancing phase two of the plan, which focuses on demilitarization, governance reconstruction, and economic development. In January 2026, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced the transition to phase two, describing the effort as moving the region “from ceasefire to demilitarization, technocratic governance and reconstruction.”
Sources
- Fox News — Full transcript and reporting of Clinton’s interview with David Remnick at 92NY on June 15, 2026, including her direct quotes about Trump’s Gaza plan
- Council on Foreign Relations — Detailed guide to Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace deal, its structure, and implementation timeline
- BBC — Coverage of Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan announced in October 2025, including the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas
- The New York Times — October 2025 reporting on Democratic responses to the Gaza peace deal and ceasefire
