Fact Check: Trump's tactic is to delay decisions by saying he'll decide in 'two weeks.'

Fact Check: "Trump's tactic is to delay decisions by saying he'll decide in 'two weeks.'"

What We Know

Former President Donald Trump has a long history of using the phrase "within two weeks" as a deadline for various decisions and announcements. According to NPR, this tactic has been employed repeatedly throughout his political career, including during his first term and into his current presidency. For instance, he recently stated he would decide on U.S. military action regarding the Israel-Iran conflict "within two weeks" (NPR, 2025). This pattern of setting two-week deadlines has been observed across a range of issues, from tax legislation to foreign policy, often resulting in delays or no follow-through on the promised timelines (NPR, 2025).

Trump's approach has been characterized as a way to manage public expectations and media scrutiny while buying time for further deliberation or to gauge public and political reactions (NPR, 2025; Reuters). This tactic has been noted not just in the context of military decisions but also in domestic policy discussions, where he has similarly promised resolutions or actions within a two-week timeframe, only for those promises to extend far beyond the initial deadlines (NPR, 2025).

Analysis

The claim that Trump uses two-week deadlines as a tactic to delay decisions is supported by multiple sources. NPR provides a comprehensive overview of how this strategy has been a recurring theme in Trump's communication style, indicating that it serves to postpone immediate accountability while maintaining an appearance of decisiveness (NPR, 2025).

Moreover, the reliability of the sources reporting on this tactic is high. NPR is known for its rigorous journalistic standards, and Reuters is similarly respected in the field of news reporting. Both outlets have documented instances where Trump has made promises to announce decisions within two weeks, only for those timelines to lapse without resolution (NPR, 2025; Reuters).

Critically, while some may argue that such tactics are common in politics, the frequency and consistency with which Trump employs this specific timeframe suggest a deliberate strategy rather than mere coincidence. This is further supported by commentary from political analysts who have observed this pattern and its implications for governance and public trust (NPR, 2025; CNN).

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The evidence clearly indicates that Donald Trump has a pattern of using the phrase "within two weeks" as a tactic to delay decisions. This approach has been documented across various issues and contexts, demonstrating a consistent strategy of postponing definitive action or responses while managing public expectations.

Fact Check: Trump's tactic is to delay decisions by saying he'll decide in 'two weeks.'