Trump agrees foreign nations seek to sway US opinion: White House

President Donald Trump believes foreign nations have sought to influence American public opinion, the White House said Thursday, hours after Vice President JD Vance alleged that elements within the Israeli government were funding efforts to undermine US-Iran diplomacy.

White House acknowledgment

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump would agree foreign countries try to persuade American public opinion. "I think the president would certainly agree that yes, foreign countries certainly do try to persuade American public opinion. There's no doubt about that. I think it's just a basic fact," she said when asked about Vance's recent comments.

Vance allegations on Israeli influence

Speaking to podcast host Joe Rogan in an episode released Wednesday, Vance claimed a "foreign influence campaign" was being funded to "tank" efforts to secure an agreement between Washington and Tehran. "I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there have been people within the Israeli government who are trying to actually shift us away from that policy," he said, referring to the administration's push for a deal to end the Middle East war with Iran.

Vance distinguished between Israeli officials he has good relationships with and those he accused of undermining diplomacy. "They want to continue the military campaign, and by the way, like — there are people within their government that I love, I have good relationships with. I hope, and I don't think that they're part of this," he added. The remarks came as the Trump administration pursues negotiations to end the Middle East war with Iran through diplomatic channels rather than continued military action.