ASEAN cannot claim to stand for peace while opening its doors to a man whose policies have fuelled one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of our time. If Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim truly believes in justice for Palestine, then as ASEAN Chair, he must take a stand — Donald Trump must not be allowed to step onto ASEAN’s stage.
Under Trump’s watch, the United States has armed the siege of Gaza to the teeth. His administration approved or proposed nearly USD 12 billion in weapons sales to Israel — the same weapons that turned homes, hospitals, and schools into graves. In 2025 alone, Trump pushed through a USD 6 billion arms deal, including Apache helicopters and combat vehicles. He then used “emergency” powers to fast-track another USD 4 billion in military aid, bypassing Congress entirely. A further USD 3 billion in munitions sales slipped through under the same excuse.
At every step, Trump made a choice: to arm the oppressor, not protect the innocent.
He even scrapped a Biden-era policy that linked arms transfers to international humanitarian law — effectively removing any check on how U.S. weapons are used. Where others hesitated over civilian deaths, Trump’s team hit the accelerator.
The results are horrifying.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented relentless strikes on Gaza’s hospitals and clinics. Médecins Sans Frontières calls it a “campaign of total destruction.” The World Health Organisation has verified 697 attacks on health facilities since October 2023.
Israel’s blockade has weaponised food and medicine; 54,000 children under five are now acutely malnourished. More than 67,000 people have been killed, mostly women and children. The actual toll, researchers warn, may be far higher.
These are not numbers; they are lives — lives destroyed by the very weapons Trump rushed to deliver.
Inviting him to an ASEAN summit would reward the enabler of this tragedy. It would stain ASEAN’s credibility and make a mockery of every call for peace or humanitarian justice.
Anwar Ibrahim has long spoken of conscience and moral courage. Now is the time to prove it. As ASEAN Chair, he must lead, not follow; act, not appease. Refusing Trump’s presence is not about politics — it’s about principle. It’s about saying that Southeast Asia will not roll out the red carpet for those who profit from war and suffering.
If ASEAN stands for peace, it must stand firmly against those who destroy it.
If Anwar Ibrahim stands for justice, he must say, clearly and without apology:
Donald Trump’s hands are bloodied — and he has no place at our table.