US President Donald Trump quipped on Wednesday that he could run for Prime Minister of Israel after claiming a 99% approval rating there, as his US ratings slump according to the Economist
US President Donald Trump has floated the idea of standing for the position of Prime Minister of Israel, claiming his approval rating there is nearly 100%.
Trump remarked on Wednesday, May 20: “I’m right now at 99% in Israel. I could run for prime minister, so maybe after I do this, I’ll go to Israel and run for prime minister.”
The US and Israel, longstanding allies, conducted joint strikes on several strategic Iranian locations on February 28.
Iran hit back by attacking sites throughout the Middle East and shutting the vital Strait of Hormuz trade route, through which 20% of global oil traded passes.
The conflict, presently held in check by a fragile short-term ceasefire, has shaken global markets and pushed up fuel costs worldwide.
The Daily Express has reported that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had a heated telephone conversation as the two leaders disagreed over Iran on Wednesday, May 20, according to one report.
Two Israeli sources said to be aware of the discussion’s content told Israel’s Channel 12 that the US President and Israel’s leader differed on the approach forward regarding their conflict with Iran.
Trump allegedly told his Israeli counterpart during the call on Tuesday, 19 May, that mediators were developing a “letter of intent” which both Washington and Tehran would sign.
Channel 12, citing a US source, reported that this could bring about an end to the conflict and the launch of 30 days of negotiations on matters including re-opening the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme.
Netanyahu was reportedly unconvinced and pushed for the US to maintain military pressure on Iran in order to weaken the regime.
According to data updated on May 20 and published by the Economist, Trump’s approval ratings stood as follows: 37% of Americans approve, 57% disapprove and 5% not sure, 485 days into Trump’s second term.
Trump’s approval rating is low ahead of the US midterm elections, due to be held on November 3.
Americans will cast their votes across 435 seats in the House of Representatives, roughly one-third of the 100 seats in the Senate, along with several governors, state legislatures, mayors and local offices.
While Americans will not be choosing a new president during the midterms, they do have the power to completely reshape who controls Congress.
The Economist poll concluded that the Iran war has dented Trump’s standing, “but it is his handling of the economy that is really dragging him down.”
