Fact Check: "Trump was in regular touch with Netanyahu and knew what was coming."
What We Know
The claim that former President Donald Trump was in regular communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and was aware of impending events, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza, lacks clear substantiation. Recent reports indicate that Netanyahu met with Trump in Washington, D.C. to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza and efforts to release Israeli hostages (Al-Shalchi & Batrawy, 2025) [source-1]. This meeting, however, does not confirm that Trump was in regular contact with Netanyahu or that he had prior knowledge of specific developments.
Furthermore, during their meetings, Trump has made controversial statements regarding U.S. involvement in Gaza, suggesting at one point that the U.S. should take ownership of the Gaza Strip (Al-Shalchi & Batrawy, 2025) [source-1]. This indicates a level of engagement, but does not necessarily imply consistent communication or foreknowledge of military actions or political maneuvers.
Analysis
The assertion of regular communication between Trump and Netanyahu is not directly supported by the evidence available. While the meeting in February 2025 is documented, it is unclear how frequently such meetings occurred or whether they were part of a consistent dialogue. The sources do not provide a timeline or context that would confirm ongoing communication.
Moreover, the reliability of the sources varies. The primary source from NPR is a reputable news organization that provides a detailed account of the meeting and the broader context of the Gaza conflict (Al-Shalchi & Batrawy, 2025) [source-1]. However, other sources, such as YouTube videos and less established websites, may not offer the same level of credibility or depth in reporting (source-3, source-5).
Additionally, claims about Trump's awareness of specific events, such as military actions or political strategies, are not substantiated by the available evidence. Without direct quotes or documented communications that confirm Trump's knowledge of what was "coming," the assertion remains speculative.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim that Trump was in regular touch with Netanyahu and knew what was coming is not adequately supported by the evidence currently available. While there is documentation of a meeting between the two leaders, the nature and frequency of their communications remain unclear. Further investigation into credible sources and direct communications would be necessary to substantiate or refute this claim definitively.
