Democratic Lawmakers Push for U.S. Recognition of Palestinian State
Led by Rep. Ro Khanna, over a dozen Democrats call on Trump and Rubio to endorse Palestinian statehood amid global shift
More than a dozen Democratic members of Congress have signed a letter urging the Trump administration to recognize a Palestinian state, in what may evolve into a formal resolution despite low chances of passage. The initiative, first reported by Jewish Insider, comes amid growing international momentum for Palestinian recognition - spearheaded by France - and increasing discomfort in Washington over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The letter, sent to President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reads: “This tragic moment has underscored to the world the urgent need to recognize the Palestinian right to self-determination.” Lawmakers referenced French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent pledge to advance recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, a move sharply criticized by Rubio. “We encourage countries that have not yet recognized Palestine - including the United States - to do so,” the letter continues.
The effort is led by Rep. Ro Khanna of California. Recent signatories include Reps. Chellie Pingree, Nydia Velázquez, Jim McGovern, Greg Casar, Lloyd Doggett, Veronica Escobar, Maxwell Frost, Al Green, Jared Huffman, Mark Pocan, Bonnie Watson Coleman, and André Carson - one of three Muslim members of Congress.
Congressional sources indicate this initiative is three times larger than a similar 2023 resolution introduced by Rep. Al Green, which garnered only five co-sponsors. Now, lawmakers say the humanitarian toll in Gaza has made such recognition more urgent and politically viable.
Watson Coleman noted that statehood, contingent on Hamas’ disarmament and mutual security guarantees, must be part of any serious solution: “If we truly want to end the war, stop the starvation, and bring the hostages home, recognition must be part of the path forward.”
Rep. Green confirmed his intention to reintroduce a resolution affirming Palestine’s right to statehood, saying he is finalizing the language: “Something will definitely be introduced.”