On Friday, former President Donald Trump remarked that Israel’s backing in Congress and globally has diminished in recent years.
In a conversation with Daily Caller, he pointed out that this decline in influence is linked to the increasing unpopularity of the conflict in Gaza, particularly among left-leaning American politicians who criticize Israel.
“Israel, as you know very well, was the most powerful lobby I’ve ever encountered. They had complete control over Congress,” Trump stated.
Despite being a strong supporter of Israel during his presidency, Trump noted that the ongoing conflict with Hamas has negatively impacted Israel’s reputation worldwide.
“They have to manage that war. But it does hurt Israel. There’s no question about it. They might be winning militarily, but they aren’t winning the public relations battle,” he observed.
He reflected on a time when discussing Israel wasn’t as contentious as it is now, citing prominent members of Congress like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, who have criticized the actions in Gaza and accused Israel of civilian casualties.
Trump mentioned, “There was a time when you couldn’t say anything negative. If you aspired to be a politician, speaking ill of Israel was just not an option. Now, with people like AOC and others, the dynamic has shifted dramatically.”
Ocasio-Cortez and Omar did not respond to requests for comments.
Still, Trump reiterated his support for Israel, expressing concern that the memory of the October 7 attack has faded for many. “People seem to have forgotten how terrifying that day was,” he said.
Additionally, he drew a parallel between Holocaust deniers and those who downplay or deny the terrorist attacks that claimed over 1,200 lives in Israel. “You have individuals who deny those events occurred, just like there are those who deny the Holocaust,” he emphasized.
