On the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, President Trump told reporters he had spoken directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to offer his well wishes to both the Israeli leader and the people of Israel. Calling it a horrible day and a horrible tragedy, Trump reflected on the weight of the anniversary while addressing reporters, marking one of several moments of remembrance taking place across Israel and internationally as the country commemorated the Hamas-led attack that killed nearly 1,200 people in 2023.

Trump went further, saying that those responsible for the October 7 attack are paying a very big price, a remark widely understood as a reference to the subsequent Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza. The comments came as Israel held a series of solemn memorial events on the anniversary, including a national ceremony and gatherings at sites tied to the attack, with officials and survivors reflecting on the losses of the past three years. Trump's call with Netanyahu added a high-profile show of continued U.S. support for Israel on a day defined by mourning, remembrance, and renewed attention to the war's long aftermath.