Donald Trump said Jewish Americans would be to blame if he lost the election—as he attacked the most senior Jewish elected official as “Hamas all the way.”
The Republican candidate used a speech Thursday to Jewish Republicans called “Fighting Antisemitism in America” to make the series of astonishing claims.
He attacked the Jewish community for appearing likely to vote more Democratic than Republican, and said, “In my opinion the Jewish people would have a lot to do with a loss if I’m at 40 per cent.”
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Then he moved on to attacking one Jewish American in particular.
“Chuck Schumer is a Palestinian,” Trump, flanked by American and Israeli flags, said of the Senate majority leader. “Who would have thought that was going to happen? What the hell happened to him?
“I saw him the other day, he was dressed in one of their robes,” Trump said as a joke, then went more serious and said, “Chuck Schumer is Hamas all the way.”
Schumer is a devout Jew and public supporter of Israel but has condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a right-wing extremist.
Trump’s claim was one of many the former president made during a speech to Jewish Republicans at an event titled “Fighting Anti-Semitism in America” at a hotel on Capitol Hill in Washington. Later on, he positioned himself as the savior of Israel.
The event was hosted by the billionaire casino mogul Miriam Adelson. Wearing a red chemise with sparkling circular motifs, the Trump mega donor—who has committed nearly $100 million to the race–gave a rare address to the crowd, celebrating Trump’s record on Israel.
For the former president, the day was devoted to emphasizing his support for Israel. He also addressed the 2024 Israeli-American Council National Summit across town later in the evening.
“In Israel, they love me,” Trump said Thursday. “Here, not so much.”
“If we don’t win this election, Israel, in my opinion, within a period of two to three years, will cease to exist,” Trump said. “It’s going to be wiped out.” He added: “If we don’t win, I believe Israel will be eradicated.”
Trump’s statements were part of an ongoing effort to make inroads with Jewish voters, most of whom prefer Kamala Harris to Trump. He painted his opponent as a dangerous choice for Israel. But he voiced doubts that he could change Jewish minds.
“I’m calling on Kamala Harris to officially disavow the support of all Hamas sympathizers, antisemites, Israel-haters, on college campuses, and everywhere else,” Trump said. “But she won’t do it, you know that. And sadly, and I have to say this, and it hurts me to say it, you’re gonna still vote for Democrats.”
A recent Pew survey suggested nearly two-thirds of Jewish voters favor Harris. Throughout his remarks, Trump continued to lament the strong support his opponent enjoys in the Jewish community.
“You got 60 percent voting for somebody that hates Israel,” Trump said. “And I say it, it’s going to happen, it’s only because of the Democrat hold, or curse, on you. You can’t let this happen.”
The event organizers, the Republican Jewish Coalition, said it had also invited students and young Republicans.
“I think it’s an important issue for America, and certainly an important issue for the Jewish community, and it’s an important issue in which there’s a strong contrast point with Kamala Harris and the Democrats,” Matt Brooks, its CEO said.
The vice president has championed Israel’s right to defend itself and her husband, Doug Emhoff, has often highlighted his Jewish identity. Still, as she faces pressure from progressives on the Israel-Hamas war, Republicans have seen an opening.
“The people here—this isn’t the donor class,” Brooks said. “This is people like college students who are on the front lines of combating antisemitism, and dealing with this awful rising tide we’re seeing take place.”
The audience also included Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Trump’s former personal doctor, Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rick Scott (R-FL), Lindsey Graham (R- SC), and Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Reps. Byron Donalds (R-FL) and Mike Lawler (R-NY).
