Former President Donald Trump has ignited controversy once again with remarks suggesting that Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats “hate their religion” and hold animosity towards Israel. In an interview aired Monday on a podcast hosted by his former White House aide Sebastian Gorka, Trump accused the Democratic Party of harboring deep-seated hostility towards Israel, claiming that “any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion.”
Trump’s comments come amidst heightened tensions surrounding US-Israel relations, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer recently criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and calling for new elections. Trump directly targeted Schumer, alleging that he prioritizes political gains over supporting Israel, a sentiment vehemently denied by Schumer himself.
Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in America, swiftly responded to Trump’s remarks, condemning them as highly partisan and hateful. He emphasized the importance of maintaining bipartisan support for Israel and fostering peace in the Middle East.
The Biden administration also denounced Trump’s comments, labeling them as antisemitic and divisive. White House spokesperson Andrew Bates underscored the need for leaders to combat hate speech and unify Americans against bigotry, stressing that there is no justification for spreading false stereotypes that threaten fellow citizens.
Similarly, Biden campaign spokesperson James Singer criticized Trump for perpetuating antisemitic tropes and accused him of demeaning Jewish Americans. Singer referenced previous remarks attributed to Trump, including reports of praising Adolf Hitler’s actions in private conversations.
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, echoed these sentiments, asserting that accusing Jews of hating their religion based on their political affiliation is defamatory and false. Greenblatt called for a focus on strengthening bipartisan support for Israel rather than unraveling it.
Despite the backlash, Trump’s campaign stood by his remarks, with spokesperson Karoline Leavitt doubling down on Trump’s assertion that the Democratic Party has become anti-Israel and antisemitic.
Trump’s history of making controversial statements regarding Jewish Americans and Israel has drawn criticism in the past. His latest remarks add fuel to ongoing debates about the intersection of politics, religion, and identity in the United States. As antisemitic incidents continue to rise, many are calling for greater efforts to combat hate speech and promote tolerance within society.