Speaking to reporters in Maryland before boarding Air Force One, Trump defended Benjamin Netanyahu and declared, "I'm right now at 99 percent in Israel. I could run for prime minister." He said a poll that morning showed him at 99 percent, and joked about heading to Israel after his term.
Fact-checkers found no credible poll showing 99% support; the February 2026 JPPI Israeli Society Index instead reported about 73% of Israelis rated him better-than-average for Israel's interests. Online critics and commenters were quick to mock the boast.