Trump says pro-Israel lobbying groups have lost influence in Washington
United States President Donald Trump has said pro-Israel lobbying groups no longer hold the same sway in Washington and on Capitol Hill as they did two decades ago. He made the remarks in a pre-taped interview that aired on Tuesday on the conservative network Real America's Voice. Trump linked the change to shifting attitudes in Congress and among American voters.
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In the interview, Trump said that if one looks back 20 or 25 years, pro-Israel groups had "the most powerful lobby in Washington." He added that the situation now is different, saying he had never seen anything like the change in the House and among Democrats there. The comments were made during a 42-minute audio segment with host Wayne Allyn Root. The remarks come after a recent survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found a sharp erosion in support for Israel, with growing opposition among Democrats and signs of polarisation within the Republican base.
The polling context gives Trump's comments added political weight because they reflect a broader shift in public opinion rather than a single isolated exchange. They also come at a time when support for Israel remains a sensitive issue in US domestic politics and foreign policy debate. Trump has raised similar points before.
In September 2025, he said he was aware of declining support for Israel among young Republicans, and later said Israel's once-automatic backing in Congress was no longer guaranteed. He also made remarks about Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, whom he described in highly critical terms in previous interviews and public appearances. Those earlier comments drew criticism and showed that Trump has repeatedly used the issue to frame changes in political alignment.
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The latest comments matter because they touch on the relationship between domestic political trends and US policy toward Israel. Congress has long been a central arena for that relationship, and any perceived weakening of support can affect debate over aid, diplomacy and public messaging. The remarks also highlight how the issue is being discussed not only in policy terms but as part of a wider partisan realignment in Washington.
It remains unclear whether Trump's comments signal any change in policy or are mainly a political observation about shifting influence. The interview did not include any new policy announcement, and the practical impact will depend on how lawmakers, party leaders and voters respond. What to watch next is whether the remarks prompt further reaction from pro-Israel groups, congressional leaders or the White House.
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