Donald Trump has made an unprecedented call for Israel to cancel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing corruption trial or issue him a pardon, calling the proceedings a politically motivated “witch hunt.” In a Truth Social post on June 25, Trump said: “Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED, IMMEDIATELY, or a Pardon given to a Great Hero…”.
Netanyahu stands accused in three separate cases—allegations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust dating back to 2019—which he vehemently denies. The trial, which began with cross-examination on June 3, could stretch on for another year . Trump praised Netanyahu as a “Great Hero” and “warrior,” reminding followers that “the United States of America … now … will save Bibi Netanyahu.” He portrayed the trial as a political vendetta similar to the probes against himself.
The U.S. president’s intervention marks a rare intrusiveness in the legal affairs of a democratic ally. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has not moved to pardon PM, and opposition voices insist the judicial process must proceed independently. Opposition leader Yair Lapid noted that “no one is above the law,” while far-right ministers backed Trump’s remarks, calling the trial an “absurd deep-state conspiracy”.
Trump’s statement follows the recent ceasefire with Iran, which saw joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—a cooperation he highlighted in his appeal for Netanyahu. Critics caution that the call to cancel the trial could strain diplomatic norms and undermine Israel’s judicial independence.
Domestically, Netanyahu’s government remains fragile, navigating public scrutiny over war decisions, judicial reforms, and the Gaza conflict. Many view Trump’s intervention as a calculated political gesture ahead of future elections. Whether it influences the legal timeline is uncertain.
Internationally, the message is mixed. Trump’s insistence aligns American leadership with Netanyahu politically, but risks casting doubt on democratic processes. Israeli courts operate under emergency conditions due to regional conflict, postponing non-urgent cases. Yet, the precedent of foreign pressure on judicial matters raises concerns among democratic advocates.
As Netanyahu’s trial progresses, Trump’s call may echo in political debates—but unless Israel’s president intervenes, the courts are expected to proceed. This episode spotlights the tension between political allegiance and judicial sovereignty in one of the world’s most complex democracies.
