NH’s All-Democrat Federal Delegation Refuses to Credit Trump for Israeli Hostage Release

WASHINGTON, DC — As Israeli families celebrated the release of the last hostages held by Hamas, leaders around the world — including some prominent Democrats — credited former President Donald Trump for the breakthrough deal that ended more than two years of captivity. Their full quotes can be found at the end of the article.

But not one member of New Hampshire’s all-Democrat congressional delegation mentioned the President's name.

Rep. Maggie Goodlander, who has long aligned with the party’s progressive foreign policy wing, called the release “a remarkable milestone” and urged more humanitarian aid to Gaza. Her statement echoed the White House talking points about “lasting peace,” but avoided acknowledging how the deal actually came about.

Sen. Maggie Hassan took a more personal tone, saying she was “relieved” to see hostages freed after meeting with some of their families last week. Still, her comments carefully skirted any mention of Trump or his direct negotiations in the region.

Trump’s team, working alongside Israeli and Qatari intermediaries, reportedly played the decisive role in securing the hostages’ freedom — a fact confirmed by multiple outlets including AP, Politico, and The Guardian. Even former Biden National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who is married to Goodlander, conceded that Trump “deserves credit” for brokering the deal.

That acknowledgment never came from New Hampshire’s Democrats.

And while the world reacted to one of the most significant Middle East diplomatic moments in years, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen spent the day posting about Indigenous Peoples’ Day — a gesture that may play well on social media but underscored how disconnected the state’s senior senator appeared from global events.

As for Rep. Chris Pappas, he said nothing at all.

The silence was striking, even in an election-conscious state known for valuing independence. Instead of showing bipartisan grace, New Hampshire’s federal delegation stayed firmly in lockstep with the party line — one that seems unwilling to give credit to a Republican president, even when he delivers a diplomatic victory few thought possible.

Trump, meanwhile, didn’t wait for their praise. Standing in Tel Aviv, he simply said the hostages’ release was “a win for humanity.”

For Granite Staters watching from home, the contrast said plenty.

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Goodlander "After more than two years in brutal Hamas captivity, today, every living hostage is free. This is a remarkable milestone towards a lasting end to this war. We have a long way to go to deliver the humanitarian aid needed in Gaza and to achieve an enduring and permanent peace that ensures the protection of Israel’s security and democracy alongside the safety, freedom, and prosperity of the Palestinian people." Shaheen "On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, let's honor the contributions and histories of indigenous peoples across America. It's important to both reflect on the progress we’ve made while also recognizing the injustices indigenous communities have faced."  

Hassan

"Since the brutal October 7 attack by Hamas more than 700 days ago, families have waited for their loved ones taken hostage to come home. Just last week, I met with some of the family members of those taken hostage who remained hopeful that a day like today was still possible. It's an enormous relief to see the remaining living hostages freed, and I hope that the important step taken today leads to the return of the remains of those who died in captivity, and eventually brings the Israeli and Palestinian people closer to a lasting peace." Pappas " "