Trump signals shift in US stance on Israel support in Congress
US President Donald Trump and Netanyahu (Photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump stated that the influence of the Israeli lobby in Congress has significantly declined, and Washington’s unconditional support for Israel is now a thing of the past, according to an interview he gave to The Daily Caller in the Oval Office.
During the interview, Trump emphasized that unconditional support for Israel in Washington is over.
He added that the Israeli lobby, once considered one of the most powerful in Washington, has lost its influence.
“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,” US President Donald Trump assessed Israel’s position in Congress. He stressed that support is no longer unconditional and that American public opinion is gradually shifting.
The comments came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit, during which he met with Trump to discuss the situation in the Middle East and further bilateral cooperation.
At the same time, Trump reminded that he has always been one of Israel’s main allies and has done more than anyone else to ensure its security. He cited examples of US assistance during recent Iranian attacks and other measures taken by his administration.
Declining support among Republicans
Trump’s remarks are supported by data from a Pew Research Center study published in March 2025. According to the survey, 53% of US adults now hold a negative view of Israel, compared with just 42% in 2022.
The most notable changes have occurred among younger Republicans: half of those under 50 express skepticism or a negative attitude toward Israel, compared with only 35% in 2022.
Within the MAGA movement and among supporters of the America First doctrine, the number of conservatives opposing the traditional US policy of unconditional support for Israel is growing.
Trump’s statement could have far-reaching implications for US-Israeli relations, highlighting that even within the Republican Party, there is an increasing divide over future support for Israel.
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