Former President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that the United States will stop providing approximately $4 billion in annual aid to Israel after the end of the year, stating that the country "doesn't need it." Trump made the announcement on Fox & Friends, explaining that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had suggested the agreement.
"He brought it up. He brought it up," Trump said of Netanyahu. "He said, ‘I think it would be appropriate if we do not receive aid,’ because he understands that this is one of their points of contention."
Trump characterized the aid as a "talking point" for political opponents, suggesting that ending it would remove leverage for Democrats, particularly mentioning Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed. "Why should we suffer the slings from lunatics like El-Sayed?" Trump asked. He added, "You take that off the table."
The United States currently provides Israel with $3.8 billion annually under a 10-year agreement signed in 2016, which is set to expire after fiscal year 2028. Trump did not specify if the aid would be cut off earlier than the agreement's expiration.
Despite ending direct aid, Trump clarified that Israel would still be able to purchase American weapons, stating, "Oh yes, they can buy whatever they want." He also mentioned the production of new US Patriot and Tomahawk missiles during the interview.