Trump asserts pro-Israel lobbying influence has waned in US Congress
Donald Trump claims the once-dominant pro-Israel lobby has lost its grip on Washington, citing eroding support among Democrats and Republicans, while renewing personal attacks on Chuck Schumer.
US President Donald Trump has declared that pro-Israel lobbying groups no longer command the political influence they held two decades ago, pointing to a significant realignment of support across both major political parties. The assertion was made during a pre-taped interview with Real America’s Voice, a network aligned with conservative media, where Trump suggested the era of ironclad congressional endorsement for Israel has passed.
Speaking to host Wayne Allyn Root, Trump contrasted the current political landscape with that of 20 to 25 years ago, describing the previous era as having the most powerful lobby in Washington. He highlighted what he termed an "amazing" shift among House Democrats, stating he had never witnessed such a dramatic change in sentiment regarding the US ally.
The President’s comments follow a survey by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, which revealed a sharp decline in public support for Israel. The data indicated burgeoning opposition within the Democratic base and growing polarisation among Republicans, factors Trump cited as evidence of the lobby’s diminishing reach.
Trump also directed criticism at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in US history and a traditionally staunch defender of Israel. Trump accused Schumer of abandoning his previous support, telling the Daily Caller that Schumer had become "virtually a Palestinian," a remark Trump had previously made during a March 2025 Oval Office meeting and at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in July.
The personal attacks on Schumer coincide with recent policy disagreements, including Schumer’s reprimand of Trump’s handling of the US-Israel war on Iran. Schumer described the President’s approach as a "recipe for utter disaster," while Trump’s remarks echo sentiments expressed in September 2025, where he acknowledged slumping support for Israel among young Republicans.
