Addressing the Israeli American Council conference, Trump said, “Anybody who votes for a Democrat or Kamala, worst…you should have your head examined,” emphasising the risks associated with electing Harris, especially regarding Israel‘s security.
He continued by claiming that if he does not win the upcoming election, Israel would face existential threats within two years. Trump argued that his victory would ensure Israel’s safety and help combat antisemitism, which he called a growing issue. The conference, held at the Washington Hilton, included notable figures like Miriam Adelson, a significant donor to Trump’s campaign, who he thanked for her support.
Trump also addressed the rise in antisemitism on college campuses, promising that under his administration, universities that allow antisemitic propaganda would lose accreditation and federal support. His comments came amidst reports from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which noted a 477 percent increase in anti-Israel incidents over the past year.
In addition to his warnings, Trump mentioned surviving an assassination attempt during a Pennsylvania rally in July, attributing his survival to being distracted by an immigration chart from his presidency.
The speech was seen as a direct appeal to Jewish American voters, though a poll by the Jewish Democratic Council of America indicated that a majority, around 72 percent, prefer Harris over Trump. Despite this, the Republican Jewish Coalition is actively campaigning to sway Jewish voters in swing states, with a $10 million ad campaign targeting Harris as “anti-Israel.”
Donald Trump’s comments sparked outrage, with numerous people criticising him onsocial media. One user remarked, ” lmfao he thinks it’s an event FOR antisemitism,” expressing disbelief at Trump’s remarks.
An individual claiming to be a Jew said, “I have been telling you Trump is an antisemite.” while another user expressed their disgust, saying, “Trump is using Jews, threatening them, using israel. It is disgusting,”.
In his speech, Trump also referenced the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, reiterating his belief that Israel’s future is tied to the outcome of the 2024 election. Meanwhile, the Biden administration continues to push for a ceasefire and negotiations for hostage releases amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.