Trump rejects report that Netanyahu sought second endorsement

Donald Trump stated on Monday that he did not discuss issuing a second endorsement for Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s upcoming elections. While boarding Air Force One for a trip to a campaign rally in Mississippi, the president responded directly to questions about the alleged request. He said, “I never spoke about it.”

Trump maintained that the administration had already provided sufficient support. He told reporters, “I put out both endorsements. I put out both.” The president also offered a personal assessment of his counterpart’s performance, adding, “I think he’s done a very good job as prime minister under very trying conditions.”

The denial contradicts information provided by US officials to The Jerusalem Post. Those sources indicated that Netanyahu had made intensive efforts to persuade Trump to issue another public statement of support. According to the accounts, the initial endorsement did not produce a noticeable shift in polling data, prompting the prime minister to seek further reinforcement of American backing.

Media reports have detailed the nature of these outreach attempts. Axios reported that Netanyahu spoke with Trump twice within a three-day period to ask for reinforced public support. The reports state that the Israeli leader suggested specific wording for additional endorsements. Netanyahu also requested that Trump speak with Israeli journalists to emphasize his backing for the government.

The Likud party has denied the reports that Netanyahu requested a second endorsement from the US president. The political maneuvering occurs as Israel prepares for its next general election. Trump’s public stance aims to clarify the level of involvement the White House has had in the campaign dynamics within Israel.

During the same press exchange, Trump addressed Brazil’s recent presidential election. Incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeated right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. When asked if the US intended to take action regarding the results, Trump replied, “I’m not running Brazil. I’m running the USA.”

Despite his stance on non-interference, Trump criticized the conduct of the Brazilian vote. He said, “I like Lula. I get along with him very well.” However, he added that the election “had a very bad look,” specifically referencing the way it was tabulated. Trump noted that “the extension given was very strange.” This remark referred to a decision by Brazil’s Supreme Court to extend voting by two hours during the second round, a move that followed transportation complaints but sparked political controversy.