Sen. Cory Booker says people should be ‘very worried’ about Trump and Israel upending peace in the Middle East

Politics NewsSen. Cory Booker says people should be ‘very worried’ about Trump and Israel upending peace in the Middle EastThe New Jersey Democrat criticized President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them both “criminal” leaders.Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00Add NBC News to GoogleCory Booker says ‘we have capitulated to the enemy’ with Trump’s Iran deal: Full interview11:44Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJune 21, 2026, 10:41 AM EDTBy Megan LebowitzSen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” Sunday that people should be “very worried” about President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upending viable pathways to peace in the Middle East as fragile ceasefire talks between the U.S. and Iran are underway in Switzerland.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.Asked whether he believed Israel was a reliable partner in peace negotiations with Iran, Booker criticized the leaders of both countries.“Between Israel and America, we have two criminal presidents,” Booker said, pointing to Trump’s prior conviction and Netanyahu’s corruption trial.“These are two failed world leaders,” he added later. “And yes, we should be very worried about both of these leaders continuing to upend any kind of viable pathway to peace in the Middle East. These are both failed leaders that I cannot wait until they’re off the world stage.”NBC News previously reported that U.S. spy agencies believe Israel could further disrupt talks with Iran. The talks come amid heightened tensions, just days after the White House announced that the U.S. signed a memorandum of understanding in an effort to move toward ending the war.Iran said Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz is closed again because of Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.The memorandum of understanding stipulates that the strait must remain toll-free for 60 days, among other prov...