Former President Donald Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for allegedly not taking action in combating the surge in antisemitism. Speaking at a “Fighting Anti-Semitism in America” event in Washington, DC, Trump claimed that despite the rise in antisemitism, Harris has done nothing to protect the Jewish community. He accused her of expressing sympathy towards anti-Israel protesters who allegedly terrorized Jewish students on college campuses earlier in the year.
Trump referenced a July interview in which Harris stated that the campus disruptors were showing the appropriate response to Gaza. While she noted that she rejected some of the protesters’ views, she understood the emotion behind their actions. The former president called Harris’ message dangerous and unfit for a presidential candidate. He urged her to disavow support from Hamas sympathizers, anti-Semites, and Israel haters, claiming that she would not do so.
The event in which Trump spoke was hosted by Miriam Adelson, the widow of GOP megadonor Sheldon Adelson. Adelson praised Trump for fulfilling his promises, including moving the US Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, and negotiating the Abraham Accords. Despite these accomplishments, Trump expressed disappointment that Jewish Americans continue to vote for Democrats, suggesting that they should reevaluate their party affiliations.
Trump criticized Jewish voters for supporting Democrats, stating that they should have their heads examined for doing so. He expressed frustration that despite his efforts to support Israel, his share of the Jewish vote was relatively low in the 2016 election. However, he claimed that his support among Jewish voters increased in 2020 and is currently around 40%, though he believes he should have full support from the Jewish community.
If re-elected, Trump promised to combat anti-Semitism in America by taking action in his first week back in office. This includes withholding accreditations and federal support for universities promoting anti-Semitic propaganda, enforcing civil rights laws to protect Jewish students on college campuses, and banning refugee resettlement from areas like the Gaza Strip. He vowed to turn back and crush bigotry and hate aimed at the Jewish community under his watch.
In conclusion, former President Donald Trump used a speech at a anti-Semitism event to criticize Vice President Kamala Harris for allegedly not taking action against rising anti-Semitism. He also expressed disappointment that Jewish Americans continue to vote for Democrats despite his efforts to support Israel. Trump pledged to take action against anti-Semitic propaganda and protect Jewish students on college campuses if re-elected.
