Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump delivered pointed remarks aimed at Jewish Americans during two speeches focused on addressing antisemitism. Speaking in Washington, D.C., he claimed that their votes would significantly impact the upcoming election, warning that if he does not win in November, Israel would face catastrophic consequences.
Frustration Over Jewish Voter Support
During a small event alongside Dr. Miriam Adelson, a prominent Republican donor and widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, Trump expressed his frustration with the percentage of Jewish voters who supported him in past elections. “If I don’t win this election, the Jewish people would really have a lot to do with that,” he stated, implying that Jewish voters who do not support him are inadvertently aiding his opponents. He lamented that despite his pro-Israel actions, he only received 24% of the Jewish vote in previous elections.
Trump reiterated these sentiments at the Israeli-American Council National Summit, where he addressed an audience gathered to commemorate the upcoming one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks by Hamas. He characterized voting for Democrats as supporting “the enemy” and suggested that there is a “hold” or “curse” on Jewish voters by the Democratic Party. “You can’t let this happen. 40% is unacceptable because we have an election to win,” he asserted.
Dire Warnings for Israel’s Future
Trump’s rhetoric included grave warnings about the potential future of Israel if Vice President Kamala Harris were to win the election. He stated that Israel would face “total annihilation,” predicting that “rockets will rain down from above until the Iron Dome has been exhausted.” Such comments were framed as an urgent call to action for Jewish voters to reconsider their support for Democrats.
In addition to his political commentary, Trump addressed the plight of Israelis held hostage by Hamas, pledging to “get them out” if he returns to the presidency. Family members of victims from the October 7 attacks were present in the audience, adding a poignant layer to his speech.
Context of the Speeches
These speeches are part of Trump’s broader strategy to court Jewish American voters who may feel disillusioned with the Democratic Party, especially given recent events in the Israel-Hamas conflict. An April 2024 Pew Research survey indicated that 69% of registered Jewish voters identify as Democrats, while 29% consider themselves Republicans. However, Trump has seen a slight increase in support among Jewish voters in previous elections.
“I went from 25 to 29% support, and based on my love for Israel, I should be at 100%,” he declared, underscoring his desire for greater backing from the Jewish community. Trump’s comments reflect his ongoing efforts to connect with this vital voter demographic as the election approaches.
