Topline
Speaking at a fighting antisemitism event in Washington Thursday, former President Donald Trump said if he loses the election in November, Jewish voters “would really have a lot to do with that.”
Republican presidential nominee former U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the Israeli … [+]
Key Facts
Speaking at a donor event called “Fighting Anti-Semitism in America”—organized by the Israeli-American Council—Trump once again expressed frustration about Jewish voters who back Democrats, saying “it doesn’t make sense.”
The former president said in his opinion, “the Jewish people would have a lot to do with a loss” for him in November if a majority of them voted for Vice President Kamala Harris.
In his speech, Trump highlighted his administration’s support for the Israeli government—including moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing the Golan Heights as Israel’s territory—but said Jewish voters had not treated him “properly.”
The former president said Jewish people who plan to vote for Harris “should have their head examined,” before adding “I find it hard to believe, part of it is a habit, I think.”
Trump said he should be polling at “100” percent support from Jewish voters, but said it won’t happen because “the Democrats’ hold or curse on you.”
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News Peg
Trump repeatedly mentioned he has the support of 40% of Jewish voters and said: “That means you got 60% voting for somebody that hates Israel.” The former president, however, didn’t mention where he got this 40% number from. According to a Pew Research survey published earlier this month, 65% of Jewish voters back Harris, while 34% back Trump.
Crucial Quote
Calling November’s election “the most important election in the history of Israel,” the former president strangely called on Israel to defeat Harris saying: “You have to defeat Kamala Harris…And I’ve never said this before…More than any other people on Earth…Israel has to defeat her. I really believe that. It’s a disaster for Israel, and you know why.”
Key Background
This isn’t the first time Trump has expressed frustration about a majority Jewish voters backing Democrats. For many years Trump has described himself as the “best friend” both Israel and Jewish Americans have ever had and in 2019 said he doesn’t think Jewish Americans who voted against him “liked Israel too much.” Trump brought up the issue again while campaigning this year, saying Jewish people who vote for Democrats “hate Israel” and hate “their religion.” Critics have condemned Trump’s rhetoric on the matter saying he was relying on an “antisemitic trope” that Jewish Americans have dual loyalties to the U.S. and Israel. Last month, Trump attacked Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, calling him a “highly overrated Jewish Governor”—a comment which drew strong condemnation from the White House.
