Donald Trump · Republican · Major Decision
Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's Capital & Moving the Embassy
Dec 6, 2017
Donald TrumpForeign PolicyMajor DecisionFirst term (2017–21)
📜 View the official record on federalregister.gov
What happened
Formally recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and ordered relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv; the embassy opened in Jerusalem on May 14, 2018.
How it happened
Presidential announcement implementing the 1995 Jerusalem Embassy Act, which prior presidents had waived.
Documented impact
Positive impactcontested
Fulfilled a long-standing U.S. statutory commitment and Israeli aspiration.
Supporters viewed it as recognizing reality and a campaign promise kept; it preceded later normalization deals.
Negative impactsubstantiated
Drew broad international condemnation and deadly protests.
A UN General Assembly resolution rejected the move 128-9; protests at the Gaza border on the embassy's opening day turned deadly.
Sources
Every claim above links to its source. Primary record and cited reporting: