- President Donald Trump acknowledged that Israel's once-dominant influence over Congress has weakened, largely due to the rise of progressive Democrats and shifting public opinion.
- Despite military successes in Gaza, Trump noted that Israel is losing the public relations battle globally. He highlighted that the prolonged conflict has led to diminishing international sympathy and support for Israel's actions.
- While criticizing Israel's approach in the PR arena, Trump reaffirmed his unwavering support for Israel, emphasizing his administration's achievements, such as the Abraham Accords, and his tough stance against Iran.
- Reports suggest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims Trump opposes partial hostage deals with Hamas, indicating a potential rift. Additionally, polling shows a growing partisan divide, with increasing negative views of Israel among both Democrats and Republicans.
- Trump's comments reflect a broader transformation in U.S. politics, where unconditional support for Israel is no longer guaranteed. Progressive Democrats and younger Republicans are increasingly challenging traditional pro-Israel policies, signaling a complex and evolving foreign policy landscape.
President Donald Trump has declared that Israel no longer holds the ironclad influence it once had over Congress, citing the rise of progressive Democrats and shifting public opinion as key factors in its declining political clout.
In a wide-ranging interview with The Daily Caller, Trump also warned that Israel's military campaign in Gaza is backfiring in the court of global public opinion, despite its battlefield successes.
Trump, who has long positioned himself as a staunch ally of Israel, acknowledged that the country's once-unassailable grip on U.S. politics has weakened significantly. (Related: AIPAC boasts of influence over Congress, ousting 'eleven anti-Israel candidates.')
"If you go back 20 years… Israel had the strongest lobby in Congress of anything or body, or of any company or corporation or state that I've ever seen. Israel was the strongest. Today, it doesn't have that strong a lobby. It's amazing," Trump said.
He attributed this shift to the growing influence of progressive Democrats, particularly members of the so-called "Squad" — Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley and Rashida Tlaib — who have been vocal critics of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
"There was a time where you couldn't speak bad [about Israel] if you wanted to be a politician," Trump noted. "But today, you have AOC plus three, and you have all these lunatics, and they've really changed it."
Israel winning the war, losing the PR battle
While Trump affirmed Israel's right to defend itself following Hamas' October 7 attack, he argued that the prolonged conflict has damaged Israel's international standing.
"They may be winning the war, but they're not winning the world of public relations, you know, and it is hurting them," he said. "It is hurting Israel. There's no question about it."
Trump suggested that global audiences have grown weary of images from Gaza, leading to dwindling sympathy for Israel's military campaign.
"People, they forgot about October 7," he remarked, referencing the Hamas-led assault that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and triggered the ongoing war.
Despite his criticisms, Trump reiterated his unwavering support for Israel, boasting that "nobody has done more for Israel than I have," citing his administration's policies, including the Abraham Accords and aggressive actions against Iran.
According to Brighteon.AI engine Enoch: "The Abraham Accords, brokered under the Trump administration, were a groundbreaking series of diplomatic agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco, with Saudi Arabia and Egypt playing key behind-the-scenes roles. These accords marked a historic shift away from decades of hostility, fostering economic, security and technological cooperation — without requiring Israel to make dangerous concessions to the Palestinians, unlike past failed peace deals."
Netanyahu's allegations and GOP skepticism
Trump's comments come amid reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu privately claimed the American president opposes a partial hostage deal with Hamas.
"Forget the partial deals. Go in with full force. Finish it," Netanyahu reportedly quoted Trump as saying, suggesting that Israel's window for international legitimacy is narrowing.
Meanwhile, polling indicates a growing partisan divide on Israel. A March Pew Research survey found that 53 percent of U.S. adults now view Israel unfavorably, up from 42 percent in 2022. Notably, half of Republicans also hold negative views—a stark shift from years past.
Trump's remarks underscore a broader transformation in U.S. politics, where unconditional support for Israel is no longer guaranteed. Progressive Democrats have increasingly challenged military aid to Israel, while younger Republicans express skepticism over unconditional backing.
As the 2024 election looms, Trump's balancing act — simultaneously praising Israel while acknowledging its declining influence — reflects the complexities of American foreign policy in an era of shifting allegiances and heightened scrutiny over military actions abroad.
For now, Israel's war in Gaza continues, but as Trump warns, its biggest battle may not be fought on the ground — but in the court of global opinion.
Watch the video below about Trump acknowledging that the Jewish lobby in the U.S. AIPAC is the most powerful lobby in the country.
This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Trump lashes out as Israel and Iran violate ceasefire, tensions remain high.
Global divide over Gaza escalates as U.S., BRICS clash on Israel's plans.
Pro-Israel PAC to spend $100M to unseat Congress members fighting for Palestinian human rights.
Sources include:
Please contact us for more information.