Donald Trump hosted Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, pledging strong support while warning Hamas it would face serious consequences if it does not disarm. At the joint appearance Mr. Trump attacked Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, repeated disputed claims about Fed renovation costs and suggested possible legal action. He also claimed US forces struck a facility in Venezuela, while a Harris poll shows many Americans feel financially worse off and the US pledged $2bn in humanitarian aid.
Trump Welcomes Netanyahu At Mar-a-Lago, Warns Hamas 'Hell To Pay' And Targets Fed Chair Powell
Donald Trump, right, and Benjamin Netanyahu on the steps of Mar-a-Lago on Monday.Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Donald Trump met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, offering robust support for Israel while warning that Hamas would face severe consequences if it refuses to disarm. At the joint appearance, Mr. Netanyahu announced that Mr. Trump would receive the Israel Prize, the country’s highest civilian honor — a move described by officials as unprecedented for a non-Israeli.
Powell, Lawsuit Threats And Disputed Claims
During the press conference Mr. Trump launched a blistering attack on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, calling him a 'fool' and renewing his call to remove him from office. Trump also repeated disputed claims about the cost of renovating the Fed’s headquarters and told reporters he might sue Mr. Powell for what he described as 'gross incompetence.' The president criticized President Joe Biden for reappointing Powell, without noting that he first nominated Powell in 2018.
Unspecified Venezuela Strike Claim
Separately, Mr. Trump said US forces struck a 'big facility' in Venezuela last week but gave no details about the target or location and the White House did not provide immediate confirmation. Speaking to a Republican donor, he said: 'We just knocked out — I don't know if you read or you saw — they have a big plant, or a big facility, where the ships come from. Two nights ago, we knocked that out.'
Public Sentiment, Aid And Political Reactions
An exclusive poll by Harris for the Guardian found twice as many Americans say their financial security is getting worse rather than better, and more voters are placing blame on the White House — a political challenge for Mr. Trump as he touts the economy. The United States also pledged $2bn in humanitarian assistance to help tens of millions facing hunger and disease across more than a dozen countries next year; officials framed this as a new delivery mechanism following earlier foreign aid reductions.
In other political developments, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene told the New York Times she had been 'so naive' to view Mr. Trump as a populist everyman as she prepares to step down from Congress. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi predicted Democrats would retake the House in the 2026 midterms and said she hopes Democrats will reclaim powers ceded to Republicans under Mr. Trump.
Legal And Cultural Notes
Critics say Mr. Trump's rhetoric during his second presidential term has unsettled many women, communities of color and their allies. Over the past decade Mr. Trump has repeatedly questioned mainstream climate science — at times calling climate concerns a 'hoax' — and this year has intensified his skepticism of environmental policy.
Separately, a federal judge dismissed an indictment against a Los Angeles TikTok creator who was shot by an officer during an immigration enforcement operation; the judge cited constitutional concerns in the ruling.
Catch-up: Events described relate to developments reported on 28 December 2025.
