Several advisers say President Donald Trump did not appear to have a full understanding of the implications of recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, The Washington Post is reporting.
"It's insane. We're all resistant," one Trump confidant told the newspaper. "He doesn't realize what all he could trigger by doing this."
Those advisers told the Post the president was intent on being pro-Israel. And one said he was focused on "making a deal."
In deciding what to do, Trump solicited input from a number of advisers, the Post said.
Billionaire Tom Barrack asked Trump to hold off from taking action, according to the newspaper. It noted Barrack was concerned that recognizing Jerusalem as the capital would worsen tensions in the area. And Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned the move could set off a dangerous chain reaction in the region.
Still, senior adviser Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and Vice President Mike Pence told Trump his base of supporters would favor the decision, the Post said.
In a White House speech on Wednesday, Trump said it was "the right thing to do" and said the decision was "a long overdue step to advance the peach process," The New York Times reported.
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