Former United States President Donald Trump stated in a pre-recorded interview aired on Tuesday, August 12, 2026, that pro-Israel lobbying groups have lost much of their influence in Capitol Hill compared to 20 to 25 years ago. Speaking with host Wayne Allyn Root on the show America Speaks broadcast by the MAGA-friendly network Real America’s Voice, Trump said the biggest change he has observed over the last decade concerns "what’s happened to Israel and Jewish people," noting that "if you go back 20, 25 years ago, they had the most powerful lobby in Washington."

Trump added that the current political landscape, particularly among Democrats in the House of Representatives, shows a notable shift away from that influence.

These remarks come amid a recent Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs survey revealing a significant erosion of support for Israel among US Democrats and increasing polarization within the Republican base.

In related political commentary, during a March 2025 Oval Office meeting, Trump referred to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer by saying, "Schumer is a Palestinian, as far as I’m concerned," a statement he reiterated at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in July 2025.

Additionally, in March 2024, the Senate minority leader called for a leadership shake-up in Israel, criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "too willing to tolerate the civilian toll in Gaza."

Trump’s comments highlight ongoing debates within US politics regarding the role and influence of pro-Israel groups and the broader US-Israel relationship.

Sources