Donald Trump Cuts $4 Billion in Annual Aid to Israel

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, coinciding with U.S. Election Day, that the United States will cut off approximately $4 billion in annual aid to Israel by the end of the year. In an interview with Fox News, Trump stated he reached this agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu months ago, asserting that Israel has become a successful country and no longer requires financial assistance.

Trump characterized the decision as a political strategy to eliminate a "bad talking point" used by left-wing Democrats, specifically citing Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. While direct aid will cease, the U.S. will continue selling weaponry to Israel, which the Israeli government will pay for. This acceleration aligns with Netanyahu's previous public goals to wean Israel off U.S. assistance within a decade.

The move may face legislative hurdles because Congress has authorized annual assistance through 2028. The office of Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately comment on the announcement.