In a Disjointed Speech, Trump Tells Audience Low Support is Due to the ‘Democrat Curse’
Former President Donald Trump voiced his frustrations to Jewish donors, lamenting that a majority of Jewish voters consistently oppose him in U.S. elections. He suggested that the Democratic Party has placed a “curse” on Jewish voters, preventing them from supporting him.
Trump’s Remarks at the Israeli-American Council Summit
Speaking at the Israeli-American Council national summit in Washington on Thursday, Trump used stark and exaggerated language, warning that if his opponent Kamala Harris were to win, Israel would be “wiped off the map.” His grievances over Jewish voter support surfaced near the end of his speech, delivered in front of U.S. and Israeli flags. Trump noted that his backing among Jewish voters increased slightly from 25% in 2016 to 29% in 2020 but expressed disappointment, saying, “Based on what I did and based on my love—the same love that you have—I should be at 100.”
Trump’s Support for Israel and Continued Frustration
Trump boasted that he had been “the best president by far” for Israel, yet a recent poll indicated he still had less than 40% support among Jewish voters. “That means 60% of you are voting for someone who hates Israel,” Trump claimed, blaming the Democrats. He went on to state, “It’s the Democrat hold or curse on you… 40% is not acceptable, because we have an election to win.”
Controversial Associations and Policies
Trump has faced criticism for aligning with figures who have promoted antisemitic rhetoric, such as far-right activist Nick Fuentes and rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West). In 2016, Trump famously claimed ignorance about former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke’s endorsement, saying, “I know nothing about David Duke, I know nothing about white supremacists.”
During his presidency, Trump made several major policy moves long sought by advocates for Israel, including relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing the Golan Heights as part of Israel, and pulling out of Barack Obama’s Iran nuclear deal.
Trump’s Promise to Jewish Americans
At the event titled “Fighting Anti-Semitism in America,” Trump assured the audience: “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. But in all fairness, I already am.”
Criticism of Harris and the Democratic Party
Trump sharply criticized Kamala Harris for her handling of the Israel-Hamas war, accusing her of doing nothing to stop what he called antisemitic protests on college campuses. He reiterated, “Kamala Harris has done absolutely nothing… She has not lifted a single finger to protect you or your children.”
However, Trump frequently circled back to what seemed to be a personal sore point: his struggle to win over Jewish voters. He repeated his claim that Jewish Democrats “should have their head examined.”
A Strong Warning About Israel’s Future
Trump further warned that Israel could cease to exist within two or three years if he does not win the next election. “I’m the one that’s protecting you,” he said, implying that Jewish voters are supporting politicians who threaten Israel. He added, “I should be getting 40% of the vote at least. These people are going to destroy you, and yet you have 60% of Jewish voters essentially supporting that.”
Claims of Popularity in Israel
Trump also claimed that a recent poll showed 99% of Israelis favor him, though he did not clarify the source of this data. He boasted, “Everybody loves me. I could run for prime minister, but I’d have to learn your language. That’s a tough language to learn… I’m the most popular person in Israel. But here [in the U.S.], it doesn’t translate. It’s a strange thing.”
Closing Remarks: A Dire Prediction
In concluding his remarks, Trump once again warned, “I believe that Israel will be wiped off the face of the earth if I don’t win.” He went on to label Harris as “anti-Israel” and “anti-Jewish,” despite the fact that her husband, Doug Emhoff, is Jewish.
Introduced by Miriam Adelson
Trump was introduced at the event by megadonor Miriam Adelson, co-owner of the Dallas Mavericks and widow of Sheldon Adelson, a prominent pro-Israel billionaire. Adelson praised Trump, urging Jewish voters to support him. “All of us Jews must vote for him,” she declared. “It is our sacred duty in gratitude for everything he has done and trust in everything he will yet do.”
Calls for Opposition from the Uncommitted Democratic Movement
Earlier that same day, leaders of the Uncommitted Democratic protest vote movement stated that while they would not endorse Harris, they also urged voters not to support Trump. This group, which opposes the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. weapons transfers to Israel.
