US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that any decision to occupy Gaza following Israel’s ongoing military operations would be “pretty much up to Israel,” as his administration continues to navigate multiple foreign and domestic challenges.
Speaking at a White House event, Trump also revealed that a former staff member of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was “very badly hurt” in Washington, D.C., on Monday night, prompting him to again threaten federal intervention in the city’s criminal justice system.
“Local youths and gang members… are randomly attacking, mugging, maiming, and shooting innocent citizens,” Trump wrote on his social media platform earlier Tuesday, alongside a photograph of a young man with severe facial injuries. “They are not afraid of law enforcement because they know nothing ever happens to them, but it’s going to happen now!”
Trump later identified the victim as Edward Coristine, 19, a former member of Elon Musk’s DOGE team who left the administration in June. Coristine, who gained an online following under the nickname “Big Balls,” worked across multiple federal agencies during his time on Musk’s team, according to sources familiar with his role.
District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwab condemned the attack as “horrific and disturbing” but declined to comment on specific allegations or cases. The U.S. Attorney’s office in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The president’s remarks about Gaza came during the same briefing, when asked about Israel’s ongoing military campaign and whether U.S. policy supported a long-term occupation of the territory.
“That’s going to be pretty much up to Israel,” Trump said, adding that his administration had delivered “a lot of food aid” to civilians in the enclave.
Meanwhile, the White House announced that Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, would travel to Russia on Wednesday to push for negotiations aimed at ending Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
The developments come as House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer issued subpoenas for files related to Jeffrey Epstein, including depositions involving former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Follow the latest news on Google News
