US President Donald Trump has called for the “immediate cancellation” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, branding the legal proceedings a politically motivated “witch hunt.” Trump also declared that the United States would stand by and ‘save’ Netanyahu, whom he hailed as a wartime hero following Israel’s recent military actions against Iran.
Posting on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump expressed outrage over the continuation of Netanyahu’s trial, particularly in the wake of what he described as one of Israel’s “greatest moments in history”—the recent Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure.
“I was shocked to hear that the State of Israel… is continuing its ridiculous Witch Hunt against their great wartime Prime Minister!” Trump wrote, praising Netanyahu as a “warrior” whose leadership had allegedly led to the “complete elimination” of Iran’s near-term nuclear weapons capabilities.
Trump dismissed the corruption charges—ranging from bribery and fraud to breach of trust—as trivial and absurd, citing claims involving “cigars, a Bugs Bunny doll, and numerous other unfair charges.”
“Such a WITCH HUNT, for a man who has given so much, is unthinkable to me,” Trump wrote. “Bibi Netanyahu’s trial should be CANCELLED IMMEDIATELY, or a pardon given to a great hero.”
Netanyahu, currently facing trial under three separate cases—Case 1000, 2000, and 4000—has repeatedly denied all allegations, calling them “fake.” His trial, which began in May 2020, marks the first time in Israel’s history that a sitting prime minister has stood criminal trial while in office. Under Israeli law, he is not required to resign unless convicted and that conviction is upheld by the Supreme Court.
Trump concluded his post by suggesting it was the US that “saved Israel”, and it will now “save Bibi Netanyahu.” “This travesty of ‘justice’ cannot be allowed!”
In addition to the ongoing domestic trial, Netanyahu also faces mounting international legal pressure. The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has issued arrest warrants against him for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the targeting of civilians and the use of starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza.
Trump’s public intervention adds further international attention—and political controversy—to an already historic and complex legal case, as Netanyahu fights both domestic charges and international scrutiny amid continued conflict in the region.