Trump told Fox News that he agreed with Israel a few months ago to end roughly $4 billion in annual U.S. military assistance. “We will not pay them anymore. They are a successful country. They do not need it. For context, the annual package is $3.8 billion: $3.3 billion in military grants used primarily to purchase American defense equipment and services, plus $500 million for joint missile-defense programs. Much of the money goes to U.S. defense companies.

Brian Kilmeade asked Trump on Fox News whether cutting aid to Israel was a mistake, arguing that Israel gives the United States far more in return. Trump responded that Netanyahu himself requested the move. He said Netanyahu understands how the left repeatedly uses U.S. aid to attack Israel—and that ending it would remove that talking point and give Israel greater freedom of action. Trump also called Israel the greatest ally the United States has ever had and said America would help Israel if it needed assistance.

(Raylan Givens)