In a candid exchange with reporters in Scotland, former President Donald Trump expressed frustration over what he sees as a lack of recognition for U.S. aid to Gaza. Speaking alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at his Turnberry resort, Trump claimed the U.S. had delivered $60 million worth of food to Palestinians in Gaza just two weeks ago—and not a single thank you.
Frustration
Trump didn’t mince words. “You know, we gave $60 million two weeks ago and nobody even acknowledged it, for food,” he said. “And you really want at least someone to say ‘thank you’. No other country gave anything.”
He went further, accusing European nations of contributing nothing, saying: “None of the European countries have given anything… it would be nice to get at least a ‘thank you’.”
Trump didn’t clarify which agency delivered the aid or how the money was distributed. However, recent reports suggest the U.S. did authorize a $30 million grant to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a controversial group criticized for monopolizing aid access and allegedly working too closely with Israeli authorities.
Aid
The Israeli military has faced global pressure to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, as starvation and humanitarian collapse deepen in the besieged enclave. In response, it recently began a limited “tactical pause” in three densely populated areas—Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Muwasi—allowing aid to move more freely from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
This comes as hunger-related deaths increase and airdrops by countries like Jordan and the United Arab Emirates continue. These nations have stepped in partly because of concerns that GHF, backed by Israel and the U.S., is weaponizing food distribution by limiting access to groups not aligned with them.
Politics
Trump’s comments come just ahead of a meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is expected to raise the issue of Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks. Trump was asked whether he believed there was any point in restarting negotiations.
He dodged the question, saying only: “We’re meeting about a lot of things.” Instead, he pivoted to trade: “We have our trade deal… It’s good for us. It’s good for them and good for us… He’s doing a very good job, by the way,” he said of Starmer.
Mood
In a lighter but telling moment, Trump appeared irritated when asked about his demeanor during talks with von der Leyen. “I’m actually not in a good mood,” he admitted, before joking that golf—played earlier that day—had gone well: “Golf can never be bad.”
As for the U.S.-EU trade deal, Trump said chances were “50-50” and that negotiations had hit “three or four sticking points” he preferred not to disclose. Talks are reportedly focused on tariffs and regulatory standards, long-standing friction points between the two economic powers.
Fallout
Trump’s remarks reflect not only a personal desire for credit, but also growing tensions over how the U.S. handles foreign aid in conflict zones like Gaza. His complaint about a lack of gratitude touches on a broader debate: Should aid be used as leverage, or given without strings?
Meanwhile, aid groups on the ground continue to criticize the GHF for concentrating control of supplies, often at the expense of humanitarian neutrality. Trump’s defense of the U.S. role—and irritation at being overlooked—adds another layer to an already complicated situation.
FAQs
Did Trump claim the US sent Gaza aid?
Yes, he said the US sent $60 million in food aid.
Who received the aid Trump mentioned?
He didn’t specify, but GHF reportedly got $30 million.
Why was Trump upset?
He felt no one thanked him or the US for the aid.
Are other countries sending aid to Gaza?
Yes, Jordan and UAE have parachuted in food supplies.
What is the ‘tactical pause’ in Gaza?
A daily 10-hour break in fighting to let aid through.
