Fact Check: Trump Demands Immediate Cancellation of Netanyahu's Trial
What We Know
On June 25, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly called for the immediate cancellation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's corruption trial or for Netanyahu to be granted a pardon. Trump characterized the legal proceedings against Netanyahu as a “witch-hunt,” expressing his support for the Israeli leader, who has faced serious charges including bribery, fraud, and breach of trust since his indictment in 2019 (Reuters, Al Jazeera). In his post on Truth Social, Trump stated, “Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero, who has done so much for the State (of Israel)” (Axios).
Netanyahu's trial, which began in 2020, involves three separate criminal cases. He has consistently denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. The trial's cross-examination phase commenced on June 3, 2025, and is expected to last approximately a year (Al Jazeera).
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has the authority to grant pardons but has indicated that a pardon for Netanyahu is “not currently on the table” and that no formal request has been made (Al Jazeera).
Analysis
The claim that Trump demanded the cancellation of Netanyahu's trial is substantiated by multiple credible news sources. Trump's comments were made in a public forum, specifically on his Truth Social platform, which lends a degree of transparency to the statement. The sources reporting on this event, including Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Axios, are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic standards.
While Trump's characterization of the trial as a "witch-hunt" reflects his personal opinion and political bias, it does not detract from the factual basis of his demand. The context of his statement is important; it illustrates not only his support for Netanyahu but also his willingness to intervene in foreign legal matters, which is unusual for a former U.S. president.
The potential bias in Trump's statement stems from his political alignment with Netanyahu and the broader context of U.S.-Israel relations. However, the factual assertion that he called for the cancellation of the trial is clear and supported by the evidence presented in the articles.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump demanded the immediate cancellation of Netanyahu's trial is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that Trump made this statement publicly, advocating for either the cancellation of the trial or a pardon for Netanyahu. His comments reflect his political stance and relationship with Netanyahu but do not alter the factual accuracy of the claim.
