WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that foreign governments attempt to influence American public opinion, according to the White House, following Vice President JD Vance’s comments alleging that elements linked to the Israeli government sought to disrupt ongoing US-Iran diplomatic efforts.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump agreed that foreign nations regularly try to shape political discourse in the United States.
“Foreign governments certainly attempt to persuade American public opinion. That is a reality, and the president recognizes it,” Leavitt said when asked about Vance’s recent remarks.
The controversy stems from an interview released on Wednesday in which Vice President JD Vance told podcast host Joe Rogan that a foreign-backed influence campaign had attempted to undermine Washington’s negotiations with Iran.
Vance claimed that certain individuals within the Israeli government preferred continued military pressure rather than a diplomatic settlement and had worked to steer US policy in that direction.
He clarified, however, that he was not accusing the entire Israeli government of participating in such efforts.
“There are people within the Israeli government whom I respect and have strong relationships with,” Vance said, adding that he did not believe those individuals were involved in the alleged campaign.
The White House has not provided further details regarding Vance’s claims or whether the administration intends to investigate the alleged influence efforts.
The remarks come amid continued diplomatic engagement over Iran and renewed debate in Washington over the role of foreign governments in shaping US foreign policy discussions.
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