Trump Expresses Surprise at Diminished Israeli Lobbying Power in US Congress
WASHINGTON – former President Donald Trump revealed his surprise at the apparent weakening of the pro-Israel lobby‘s influence within the US Congress, a shift he attributes to growing criticism of Israel among American politicians, particularly within the Democratic Party. in a recent interview with the Daily Caller, Trump contrasted the current landscape with what he observed two decades ago, when he characterized the Israeli lobby as the most powerful in Congress.
Trump’s comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of US support for Israel during the conflict in Gaza, and reflect a perceived change in the political calculus for American lawmakers discussing the contry. The former president suggested that openly criticizing Israel was once politically untenable, but now, figures like Representative Alexandria ocasio-Cortez and other progressive Democrats are vocal in their opposition to unconditional military aid.This evolving dynamic, he believes, has eroded Israel’s once-unshakeable grip on Congress.
“Israel used to be the strongest lobby I have ever seen. They had full control over the congress, and now no longer, you know, I’m a little surprised to see it,” Trump stated. He further noted that the ongoing war in Gaza is damaging Israel’s public image globally, even if Israel achieves military victory. “They must immediately end the war.But the war is detrimental to Israel. There is there’s no doubt whatsoever. They (Israel) might win the war, but they did not win public relations-The world,” he said.
Twenty years ago, Trump asserted, “Israel has the most powerful lobby at the congress, compared to anything or anyone… I have seen.” He contrasted this with the present, stating, “Israel used to be the strongest.Now,Israel has no lobbying that strong. It’s amazing.”
The shift in political discourse, according to Trump, is exemplified by the emergence of vocal critics within the Democratic Party. “In the past you could not speak badly, if you want to be a politician, you cannot speak badly (about Israel). But now, there are AOC plus three, and there are all these crazy people, and they have truly changed it,” he said.