Overview
- Israeli media published a signed letter in which President Donald Trump called the corruption cases against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unjustified and urged consideration of a pardon.
- President Isaac Herzog’s office confirmed receipt of the letter and reiterated that presidential clemency in Israel requires a formal petition and adherence to established rules, with no action announced.
- Advisers told Axios that Trump views Netanyahu’s legal troubles as comparable to his own past prosecutions, which they say motivated his direct appeal.
- House Democrats released Jeffrey Epstein emails that mention Trump, prompting White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt to accuse them of selective leaks intended to damage the president.
- Congress approved a temporary funding bill and Trump signed it, ending a 43‑day shutdown and funding the government through January 30, as he declined to answer reporters’ questions about the Epstein emails.