Trump 'may' visit Israel for opening Jerusalem embassy

Donald Trump floated a fraught trip to open the new American embassy in Jerusalem, as the US president hosted Israel's equally embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House Monday.

In the Oval Office, Netanyahu waxed lyrical, painting Trump as the heir to a pantheon of historical figures, and hailed the president's "bold" decision to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem.

Netanyahu likened the US leader to the ancient Persian king Cyrus the Great, who freed the Jews from captivity in Babylon, and Lord Balfour, who a century ago affirmed the rights of the Jewish people in Palestine.

The 71-year-old president responded with some lyrical waxing of his own, saying he would consider a trip to open the controversial embassy this May, when Israel celebrates 70 years since its declaration of independence.

"We're looking at coming. If I can, I will," Trump said. "I may. We will be talking about that and other things.

"Israel is very special to me. Special country, special people, and I look forward to being there...," he added.

Meanwhile, a former aide to Trump's election campaign said Monday he is rejecting a subpoena to provide information to the investigation into Russian meddling.

Sam Nunberg said collecting emails and other communications he had with other key Trump advisors, particularly Steve Bannon and Roger Stone, was too much trouble and he would not do it.

"They want me over at the grand jury. ***** that. Why do I have to go?" he told CNN. "I'm not going to build the case that they are trying to build."

Nunberg worked for the Trump Organization beginning in 2011, before becoming a paid aide on Trump's campaign.