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.'

Published June 24, 2025
VERDICT
True

# 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 ...

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.

Sources

  1. Donald Trump – Wikipedia
  2. Trump used two-week deadlines long before Iran conflict
  3. Donald Trump | Breaking News & Latest Updates | AP News
  4. Trump to decide on US action in Israel-Iran war within two ...
  5. Tämän takia Trump ei nyt jänistänyt iskusta Iraniin ... - Yle.fi
  6. WSJ White House Reporter: How Trump Uses 'Two Weeks ...
  7. Donald Trump - MTV Uutiset
  8. Why Trump's two-week pause on Iran makes sense

Have a claim you want to verify? It's 100% Free!

Our AI-powered fact-checker analyzes claims against thousands of reliable sources and provides evidence-based verdicts in seconds. Completely free with no registration required.

💡 Try:
"Coffee helps you live longer"
100% Free
No Registration
Instant Results

Comments

Leave a comment

Loading comments...

More Fact Checks to Explore

Discover similar claims and stay informed with these related fact-checks

Fact Check: Transcript
00:00
News, Trump said there was
nothing he could do but it was
Mexico who stepped up to save
lives. While the flood waters
swept away homes, families and
hope in South Texas, the
governor appeared on
television, his voice shaking
saying his hands were tied that
he had no resources, no way to
help but someone did. From
across the river, without
cameras, without promises,
hundreds of Mexican rescuers
crossed over on their own. They
came with backpacks on their
shoulders, trained dogs by
their side, and hearts full of
faith. They didn't wait for
orders, they didn't ask for
permission. They just heard the
cry of a neighbor and they
answered and now, in the mud
and of cities like Laredo,
00:31
Eagle Pass and Mission, the
loudest voices aren't speaking
English. They're speaking
Spanish, Mexican voices saying,
hold on, we're here because
while Trump locks himself in
his office and the governor
throws his hands up to the sky,
Mexico is waste deep in the
water pulling people out alive.
Today, Texas faces its worst
climate disaster in years. The
first to react was not Trump.
But the people arrested in the
United States. So ask yourself
if you believe Trump's
immigration policies are wrong.
Drop a thank you Mexico in the
comments and share the story
before politics buries it.
Partially True
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: Transcript 00:00 News, Trump said there was nothing he could do but it was Mexico who stepped up to save lives. While the flood waters swept away homes, families and hope in South Texas, the governor appeared on television, his voice shaking saying his hands were tied that he had no resources, no way to help but someone did. From across the river, without cameras, without promises, hundreds of Mexican rescuers crossed over on their own. They came with backpacks on their shoulders, trained dogs by their side, and hearts full of faith. They didn't wait for orders, they didn't ask for permission. They just heard the cry of a neighbor and they answered and now, in the mud and of cities like Laredo, 00:31 Eagle Pass and Mission, the loudest voices aren't speaking English. They're speaking Spanish, Mexican voices saying, hold on, we're here because while Trump locks himself in his office and the governor throws his hands up to the sky, Mexico is waste deep in the water pulling people out alive. Today, Texas faces its worst climate disaster in years. The first to react was not Trump. But the people arrested in the United States. So ask yourself if you believe Trump's immigration policies are wrong. Drop a thank you Mexico in the comments and share the story before politics buries it.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Transcript 00:00 News, Trump said there was nothing he could do but it was Mexico who stepped up to save lives. While the flood waters swept away homes, families and hope in South Texas, the governor appeared on television, his voice shaking saying his hands were tied that he had no resources, no way to help but someone did. From across the river, without cameras, without promises, hundreds of Mexican rescuers crossed over on their own. They came with backpacks on their shoulders, trained dogs by their side, and hearts full of faith. They didn't wait for orders, they didn't ask for permission. They just heard the cry of a neighbor and they answered and now, in the mud and of cities like Laredo, 00:31 Eagle Pass and Mission, the loudest voices aren't speaking English. They're speaking Spanish, Mexican voices saying, hold on, we're here because while Trump locks himself in his office and the governor throws his hands up to the sky, Mexico is waste deep in the water pulling people out alive. Today, Texas faces its worst climate disaster in years. The first to react was not Trump. But the people arrested in the United States. So ask yourself if you believe Trump's immigration policies are wrong. Drop a thank you Mexico in the comments and share the story before politics buries it.

Jul 21, 2025
Read more →
🔍
True
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: Jeffrey Epstein, seen as a friend of President Trump and former President Clinton, first faced sex crime charges related to underage girls in 2006 and 2007. Despite facing possible life imprisonment, prosecutor Alex Acosta, now Trump's Labor Secretary, struck a lenient plea deal, resulting in Epstein serving only months in a county jail for those charges. Prosecutors said they seized scores of photos of fully or partially nude girls connected to Epstein's trafficking ring.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Jeffrey Epstein, seen as a friend of President Trump and former President Clinton, first faced sex crime charges related to underage girls in 2006 and 2007. Despite facing possible life imprisonment, prosecutor Alex Acosta, now Trump's Labor Secretary, struck a lenient plea deal, resulting in Epstein serving only months in a county jail for those charges. Prosecutors said they seized scores of photos of fully or partially nude girls connected to Epstein's trafficking ring.

Aug 17, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: Trump's ex- wife Ivana wasn't an American citizen until 1988. She gave birth to Don Jr in 1977, Ivanka in 19Jeffrey Epstein Was Recorded Talking About Trump Before His Arrest
Before he died under mysterious circumstances, Jeffrey Epstein was recorded talking about Donald Trump — and what he said was damning. In an audio recording released by journalist Michael Wolff, Epstein described how Trump manipulated his own team inside the White House. The conversation, recorded...81, & Eric in 1984. Let's cancel their birthright citizen ship first. -Andrea Junker
True
🎯 Similar

Fact Check: Trump's ex- wife Ivana wasn't an American citizen until 1988. She gave birth to Don Jr in 1977, Ivanka in 19Jeffrey Epstein Was Recorded Talking About Trump Before His Arrest Before he died under mysterious circumstances, Jeffrey Epstein was recorded talking about Donald Trump — and what he said was damning. In an audio recording released by journalist Michael Wolff, Epstein described how Trump manipulated his own team inside the White House. The conversation, recorded...81, & Eric in 1984. Let's cancel their birthright citizen ship first. -Andrea Junker

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Trump's ex- wife Ivana wasn't an American citizen until 1988. She gave birth to Don Jr in 1977, Ivanka in 19Jeffrey Epstein Was Recorded Talking About Trump Before His Arrest Before he died under mysterious circumstances, Jeffrey Epstein was recorded talking about Donald Trump — and what he said was damning. In an audio recording released by journalist Michael Wolff, Epstein described how Trump manipulated his own team inside the White House. The conversation, recorded...81, & Eric in 1984. Let's cancel their birthright citizen ship first. -Andrea Junker

Jul 28, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: Trump's ex- wife Ivana wasn't an American citizen until 1988. She gave birth to Don Jr in 1977, Ivanka in 1981, & Eric in 1984. Let's cancel their birthright citizen ship first. -Andrea Junker
True

Fact Check: Trump's ex- wife Ivana wasn't an American citizen until 1988. She gave birth to Don Jr in 1977, Ivanka in 1981, & Eric in 1984. Let's cancel their birthright citizen ship first. -Andrea Junker

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Trump's ex- wife Ivana wasn't an American citizen until 1988. She gave birth to Don Jr in 1977, Ivanka in 1981, & Eric in 1984. Let's cancel their birthright citizen ship first. -Andrea Junker

Jul 28, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: Trump's ex- wife Ivana wasn't an American citizen until 1988. She gave birth to Don Jr in 1977, Ivanka in 1981, & Eric in 1984.
True

Fact Check: Trump's ex- wife Ivana wasn't an American citizen until 1988. She gave birth to Don Jr in 1977, Ivanka in 1981, & Eric in 1984.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: Trump's ex- wife Ivana wasn't an American citizen until 1988. She gave birth to Don Jr in 1977, Ivanka in 1981, & Eric in 1984.

Jul 28, 2025
Read more →
Fact Check: The transcript claims that Trump's approval rating among Republicans has actually increased since the Epstein saga started, citing polls with around 88% to 90% Republican approval for Trump.
True

Fact Check: The transcript claims that Trump's approval rating among Republicans has actually increased since the Epstein saga started, citing polls with around 88% to 90% Republican approval for Trump.

Detailed fact-check analysis of: The transcript claims that Trump's approval rating among Republicans has actually increased since the Epstein saga started, citing polls with around 88% to 90% Republican approval for Trump.

Jul 28, 2025
Read more →