• Joe Biden and Donald Trump are in a heated dispute over credit for a recent Middle East ceasefire agreement.
• The agreement, which aims to release hostages and halt hostilities, has ignited political tensions.
• Trump claimed the deal as a success of his administration's national security team ahead of Biden's planned announcement.
• Both leaders and their teams are acknowledging critical cooperation needed to finalize the agreement.
• Canada also threatens retaliatory measures against the U.S. due to imminent economic disputes.

In the wake of a fragile ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, a fierce battle for credit has emerged between President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump. After more than 15 months of conflict, the ceasefire was reached amid the backdrop of ongoing negotiations that witnessed cooperation from both political factions, raising the stakes of political acclaim for the historic breakthrough.

During a press interaction, Biden expressed evident frustrations at reports attributing the deal's success to Trump and his administration. “Is that a joke?” he retorted when questioned about Trump’s involvement, illustrating the rising tensions between the two presidential camps. The president had unsuccessfully sought renowned recognition for brokering the truce, which was seen as critical to securing his legacy as his first term winds down.

Despite Biden’s efforts, it was Trump who rushed to announce the ceasefire agreement on social media before Biden’s planned press coverage, declaring on his Truth Social account that “we have a deal” for the imminent release of hostages.

This sparring match intensified when David Friedman, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel during Trump’s term, emphasized the former president’s key role in shaping the deal, crediting Trump’s round-the-clock pressure, emphasizing that Hamas was reaching a point of recognition of the incoming administration’s resolve. Trump reiterated that American and Israeli hostages would soon return home, cementing his narrative further.

As the Middle East remains in turmoil, the leaders’ exchanges serve as a reflection of the broader political strife dominating the U.S. landscape, especially in the context of the imminent inauguration. Biden aims to solidify his presidency’s hallmark achievements, while Trump maneuvers to highlight continuity with his previous administration's policies. This development coincides with heightened economic tensions with Canada, which threatens to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products if trade disputes aren't resolved.

The effusive back-and-forth between the two leaders showcases not only the complicated dynamics of diplomatic negotiations but also illustrates a political landscape mired in rivalry—a rivalry that threatens to overshadow collaborative achievements in global affairs.

For additional insights on the evolving situation regarding the Middle East ceasefire agreement, visit the full article at The Daily Beast.