Former President Donald Trump spoke at a small event in Washington D.C., criticizing Jewish Americans who do not vote for him and claiming that if he is not reelected, Israel would face eradication. Trump specifically mentioned that if he does not win the election, it would be because Jewish people did not support him, stating that 60% of voters would be voting for the “enemy.” He made these comments at an event focused on addressing antisemitism with Dr. Miriam Adelson, a prominent Republican Party donor and widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson.
Trump also talked about his low percentage of the Jewish vote, mentioning that despite his support for Israel, he only received 24% of the Jewish vote. He reiterated these sentiments at the Israeli-American Council National Summit, stating that Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats should have their “head examined” and warning of a “bloody war” against the Jewish state if he is not reelected. Trump expressed a strong belief that the Democrats have a negative influence on Jewish voters and vowed to win the election to prevent Israel from facing “total annihilation.”
In his speeches, Trump also touched on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and promised to support Israel and its people if he is reelected. He acknowledged the Israelis still held captive by Hamas and assured the audience that he would work towards their release. Trump’s remarks were made in an effort to court Jewish American voters who may have become disillusioned with the Democratic Party due to their perceived handling of the Israel-Hamas war. While a majority of Jewish voters identify as Democrats, Trump has previously seen an increase in support among Jewish voters in the first two presidential elections he ran in.
The speeches by Trump come at a crucial time as he tries to sway Jewish American voters to support him in the upcoming election. He expressed frustration over his low percentage of Jewish voter support, stating that based on his actions and love for Israel, he should have universal backing from the Jewish community. Trump highlighted the importance of winning the election to ensure the safety and security of Israel, warning of dire consequences if his opponents are elected. Amidst a polarized political climate, Trump’s remarks underscore the complex relationship between Jewish American voters and the political parties vying for their support.
As Trump continues to engage with Jewish American voters and emphasize his commitment to Israel’s interests, his rhetoric reflects a broader strategy to appeal to a demographic that plays a significant role in American politics. By positioning himself as a staunch supporter of Israel and painting his opponents as threats to its existence, Trump seeks to rally Jewish voters to his side and potentially increase his share of their support in the upcoming election. The impact of Trump’s statements on Jewish American voters remains to be seen, but his efforts to court this demographic signal the importance of their support in shaping the political landscape.
