Donald Trump raises eyebrows after promising Iron Dome for US, mass deportations in fiery op-ed
![Donald Trump's op-ed included a controversial plan to prohibit anyone supporting Hamas from immigrating to the United States (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)](http://d2a0gza273xfgz.cloudfront.net/651457/uploads/a29e1960-6d9c-11ee-b456-f5654add9a1b_1200_630.jpeg)
MIAMI, FLORIDA: Former president Donald Trump's recent op-ed, which was published on October 17, 2023, has ignited a wave of reactions in both the political arena and on social media.
In the op-ed, the ex-POTUS has laid out an extensive plan for his potential return to the White House, focusing on foreign and domestic policy, particularly in relation to Israel and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
In an op-ed published by Newsweek, Trump began by addressing the deep-rooted US-Israel relationship, vowing to support the nation and rectify what he viewed as the "terrible damage" done during the Biden administration.
He pledged to take a series of bold actions that, if realized, would reshape US policy both at home and abroad.
Reinstating and expanding the Muslim travel ban
One of the most contentious aspects of Trump's proposal is his intention to reinstate and expand the Muslim travel ban, a policy that was a hallmark of his first term in office.
This ban targeted several Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen.
Moreover, Trump's op-ed included a controversial plan to prohibit anyone supporting Hamas from immigrating to the United States. The move can be perceived as a sharp response to the recent actions of Hamas, which led to the deadliest Palestinian militant attack on Israel in history.
The proposal brings up important questions about immigration policies and their alignment with international relations. Another noteworthy proposal in the op-ed is Trump's commitment to providing the United States with its own Iron Dome defense system.
The Iron Dome, originally developed by Israel, is designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells. The idea of implementing this system in the United States raises questions about the country's defense strategy and the potential costs involved.
Trump also touched on the issue of immigration reform, emphasizing the need for aggressive deportations of individuals with "jihadist sympathies." He proposed a stringent screening process that would disqualify anyone who was a "Communist, Marxist, or Fascist."
Unwavering support for Israel
Throughout the op-ed, Trump reiterated his unwavering support for Israel, particularly in its efforts to defeat the terror group Hamas.
He claimed, "When I return to the White House, I will once again stand with Israel 100 percent," reflecting his previous role in negotiating the Abraham Accords between Israel and various Arab countries during his tenure as president.
"The United States will fully support Israel in defeating, dismantling, and permanently destroying the terror group Hamas," he added.
The op-ed also delved into Trump's criticism of President Joe Biden's handling of Iran, asserting that Biden's administration had "loosened" the sanctions on Iran, resulting in increased oil production by the country.
Trump's perspective on this matter highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding US relations with Iran and the broader Middle East.
In response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Trump's op-ed clarified his stance on immigration policies and the need to "undo the terrible damage" he believes was caused by the Biden administration.
He proposed immigration restrictions that would extend beyond the Muslim travel ban to encompass Palestinian refugees from Gaza, raising important questions about the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
The op-ed also included plans to revoke student visas from those exhibiting anti-American or antisemitic views and to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on demonstrators with "pro-jihadist" views.
"This is how I will begin to undo the terrible damage Joe Biden has done and end the Biden betrayal of Israel. In the meantime, the entire world must stand with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's war-time government as they seek to defeat these murderous enemies," Trump wrote.
Social media reacts to Donald Trump's op-ed
The op-ed's publication immediately triggered a range of reactions on social media. Supporters of Trump's stance on mass deportations lauded his proposed policies.
"Mass deportations is needed !!!!" one posted on X.
"If that’s what he gonna do, he got my Vote," a comment read.
"Yes Donald John Trump has my vote," another chimed in.
However, not all reactions were positive. Some individuals raised concerns about the idea of implementing an Iron Dome defense system in the United States.
"An iron dome for what?" one asked.
"I'm a bit concerned that Trump isn't aware of our anti-ICBM systems in place? Like why would the US need the Iron Dome? Who is launching rockets at the US?" another wondered.
"We have the Patriot missile system, similar to Iron Dome," someone else offered.
Im a bit concerned that Trump isn't aware of our anti-ICBM systems in place? Like why would US need Iron Dome? Who is launching rockets at the US?
— Michael Sanislo (@sparktherevolt) October 18, 2023
We have the Patriot missile system, similar to Iron Dome
— Matt Zelinsky (@MattZelinsky) October 17, 2023