United States President Donald Trump said he does not trust anyone in the realm of politics when asked directly whether he trusts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, striking an ambivalent tone just days ahead of Israel’s upcoming election.
Speaking in an interview with the American conservative news network Newsmax, Trump offered a sweeping, guarded reply regarding his personal faith in political figures.
“I don’t trust anybody, honestly,” Trump remarked. “In the world of politics, I don’t trust anybody.”
The exchange, highlighted in a report by The Times of Israel on Friday, comes as speculation mounts over whether the American president will openly endorse Netanyahu ahead of the national vote scheduled for October 27. While Netanyahu has consistently emphasized his close personal alignment and strategic partnership with Trump throughout his past and current campaigns, the White House has held back from issuing a formal endorsement.
Trump acknowledged that Israeli officials have reached out to secure his active involvement in bolstering Netanyahu’s re-election bid.
“Well, they’d like me to be. Yeah, they’d like me to be,” Trump told Newsmax when pressed on whether he planned to intervene or campaign on Netanyahu’s behalf. However, he stopped short of committing to any direct participation or endorsing a specific slate.
Despite brushing off questions regarding interpersonal trust, Trump maintained that his professional rapport with the Israeli prime minister remains solid. He emphasized their “very good relationship” and specifically commended the bilateral coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv, pointing to their “very successful military partnership” in countering regional threats from Iran.
Sources: Newsmax TV, The Times of Israel, and Wire Dispatches.