During his speech at an antisemitism event in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, former President Donald Trump pledged to be the “defender” of Jewish Americans if he wins but also seemed to suggest that if he loses the election, it will be their fault.
“My promise to Jewish Americans is this: With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House,” Trump said.
In his pitch to Jewish voters, Trump brought up some statistics — though he didn’t say where they came from — suggesting he has a lower percentage of Jewish voters ready to vote for him than Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I’m at 40%; that means you got 60% voting for somebody that hates Israel,” Trump said, alluding to the vice president. “It’s only because the Democrat[s] hold a curse on you. You can’t let this happen. 40% is not acceptable because we have an election to win.”
Trump continued, “I really haven’t been treated right, but you haven’t been treated right because you’re putting yourself in great danger, and the United States hasn’t been treated right.”
“I’m not going to call this as a prediction, but in my opinion, the Jewish people would have a lot to do with the loss. If I’m at 40%, I’m at — think of it, that means 60% of voting for Kamala, who in particular is a bad Democrat. The Democrats are bad to Israel, very bad,” he said.
Later in the evening, at an event for the Israeli American Council, Trump continued the same theme.
While talking about the election, he complained about his low support among the Jewish community, ending his speech by saying Jewish voters haven’t treated him “properly” after repeatedly saying Jewish people who vote for a Democrat should have their heads examined.
“I’ll put it to you very simply and as gently as I can, I wasn’t treated properly by the voters who happen to be Jewish,” he said. “I don’t know. Do they know what the hell is happening if I don’t win this election and the Jewish people would really have a lot to do with that if that happens because, at 40%, that means 60% of the people are voting for the enemy. Israel, in my opinion, will cease to exist within two years, and I believe I’m 100%,” said Trump as the crowd appeared to chat among themselves.
Earlier in the night, at the antisemitism event, Trump called on his Democratic opponent to “disavow the support of all Hamas sympathizers, anti-Semites, Israel haters, on college campuses and everywhere else.”
President Donald Trump recently made controversial remarks implying that Jewish Americans may play a significant role in his potential election loss. During a speech to the Israeli American Council in Florida, Trump suggested that Jewish Americans have a dual loyalty to both the United States and Israel, and that they would not support him because of his stance on Israel.
These comments have sparked outrage and condemnation from Jewish groups and political leaders across the country. Many have accused Trump of perpetuating harmful stereotypes and promoting anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. The idea that Jewish Americans have a dual loyalty to Israel is not only false, but it is also dangerous and divisive.
It is important to note that Jewish Americans, like all Americans, have diverse political beliefs and priorities. While Israel may be an important issue for some Jewish voters, it is not the only issue that influences their voting decisions. Trump’s attempt to paint all Jewish Americans with a broad brush and suggest that they are disloyal to their country is not only offensive, but it also undermines the values of inclusivity and diversity that are central to American democracy.
Furthermore, Trump’s comments come at a time when anti-Semitic incidents are on the rise in the United States. According to the Anti-Defamation League, there was a 57% increase in anti-Semitic incidents in 2017, and a 60% increase in 2018. By perpetuating harmful stereotypes about Jewish Americans, Trump is contributing to a climate of hate and intolerance that puts the Jewish community at risk.
In response to Trump’s remarks, many Jewish organizations and leaders have spoken out against his comments and reaffirmed their commitment to fighting anti-Semitism and promoting tolerance and understanding. It is crucial for all Americans to stand up against bigotry and discrimination in all its forms, and to reject divisive rhetoric that seeks to pit one group against another.
As the 2020 election approaches, it is important for political leaders to engage with all communities in a respectful and inclusive manner. Rather than resorting to divisive tactics and harmful stereotypes, politicians should focus on addressing the real issues that matter to voters and working towards a more united and inclusive society. Trump’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up against hate and intolerance, and working towards a more just and equitable future for all Americans.
