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Fact Check: Did Trump call himself the 'best president in the history of Israel'?

Posts on X and Instagram claiming Donald Trump called himself the 'best President in the history of Israel' garnered more than 1 million views

BY SAURAV SURESH

PUBLISHED JUL 3, 2026

Donald Trump questioned why American Jews vote Democrat, saying he was Israel's 'best president,' even as his approval there has declined (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

WASHINGTON, DC: Amid tensions with Benjamin Netanyahu following the ceasefire deal with Iran, a rumor has been rapidly spreading across social media platforms claiming that President Donald Trump called himself the best president in the history of Israel, sparking mockery and confusion among online users.

Let us analyze the viral claim and fact-check its authenticity.

Claim: Trump called himself the 'best President in the history of Israel'

Replies to the post show polarized reactions, with critics arguing it reflects misplaced priorities favoring Israel (@BRICSinfo/X)

Several posts on X, Threads, and Instagram claim that President Trump said, “I've been the best President in the history of Israel.” The posts have garnered more than a million views as of this writing, drawing mixed reactions from netizens.

Replies to the post show polarized reactions, with critics arguing that the remark reflects misplaced priorities favoring Israel over American interests.

Meanwhile, many interpreted Trump's statement as him openly declaring himself the president of Israel, sparking confusion and speculation.

Fact Check: Trump made the remark but wasn't claiming to be Israel's president

President Donald Trump departs an event for NCAA national champions in the State Dining Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) — President Donald Trump departs an event for NCAA national champions in the State Dining Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

The claim is true in part. Trump did call himself the “best president in the history of Israel” on Thursday, July 2, during a CNBC interview, as his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to face strain following the Iran ceasefire.

However, Trump made the statement to suggest that he believes he has been the best US president for Israel's interests, not that he was claiming to be Israel's head of state.

Trump touts popularity in Israel

US President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives at the White House on September 29, 2025, in Washington, DC. In what will be their fourth meeting in Washington, Trump and Netanyahu are expected to discuss the latest US-backed plans to end the war in Gaza and free the remaining hostages held by Hamas (Win McNamee/Getty Images) — US President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives at the White House on September 29, 2025, in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

During the interview, Trump questioned why most American Jews vote for Democrats.

“How a Jewish person can vote for a Democrat is beyond me,” Trump says. “Because I’ve been the best president in the history of Israel, and they acknowledge, and by the way, in Israel I think I was at 99% or something.”

Trump has generally enjoyed strong support in Israel, but his approval ratings have declined since he signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran.

The agreement has raised concerns among some Israeli officials, with some analysts arguing that it is even more harmful to Israel's security than the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

A poll released last month by the Israel Democracy Institute found that only 44% of Israelis believe Israel's security is one of Trump's top priorities.