EXCLUSIVE UPDATE: Trump Meeting with Reb Shaul Alter and Satmar Rebbe Delayed

Belaaz has learned that plans were underway to arrange a meeting at the White House next week between President Donald Trump, Reb Shaul Alter, and the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Ahron Teitelbaum, during Reb Shaul’s visit to the United States.

However, a source involved in the planning shared with Belaaz that the visit will not take place next week and will be delayed for a more convenient time. Belaaz is told that Trump ally and advisor Yehuda Kaploun communicated with the White House staff, who indicated that the first 100 days of the presidency are exceedingly busy, adding that “The president wants to give the proper respect and time for the Jewish leaders”, the source said. Additionally, President Trump is reportedly planning to travel to Saudi Arabia next week, further contributing to the postponement of the meeting.

The source explained to Belaaz that Trump is currently focused on critical international issues, including securing the return of all Israeli hostages, ending the Russia-Ukraine war, and handling other urgent matters. Given these pressing priorities, the timing for such a meeting was not deemed ideal for this moment.

As a result, despite initial plans, the decision was made to delay the meeting to allow Trump to focus on these pressing global challenges, the source said.

As previously reported, President-elect Donald Trump extended invites to the leading Rabbanim, the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Ahron Teitelbaum and Gerer Rosh Yeshiva, Hagaon Rav Shaul Alter, to thank them for their support and blessings during the election. Reb Shaul endorsed President Trump in an exclusive interview with Belaaz before the election.

Despite the meeting being postponed, Belaaz has learned that coordination was already underway between Reb Shaul Alter and the Satmar Rebbe to discuss important matters concerning Jewish communities. When the meeting takes place, each of the Rabbanim will be accompanied by just one assistant (Gabai). The meeting is also expected to include Yehuda Kaploun, a key Trump ally and adviser who arrnged the meeting and helped connect Jewish communities in the U.S. to support Trump and the Republican Party during the election campaign.

Sources familiar with the matter tell Belaaz that in recent weeks, one of the main topics discussed among the Gabaim was the educational challenges affecting the Jewish community in New York

Belaaz has also learned that the Satmar Rebbe has asked to meet with Reb Shaul Alter before the White House meeting, in order to coordinate the requests that will be presented to the president. This will be their first time meeting.