Former President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of Jewish voters, claiming that "the Jewish people" would be partially to blame if he loses the upcoming November election. Speaking at a Republican event in Washington billed as opposing antisemitism, Trump made several controversial statements.
Here's what he said.
"If I'm at 40% [support in the polls], that means 60% are voting for Kamala (Harris), who, in particular, is a bad Democrat. The Democrats are bad to Israel, very bad."
He warned that the upcoming US election is "the most important" in Israel's history, claiming (not for the first time) that Israel would be "eradicated" if Harris wins the presidency.
Trump said that he feels exteremely frustrated with Jewish voters, after everything he did for them and said that Jews who vote for Harris "should have their head examined."
Later, at the Israeli American Council's national summit, Trump further commented:
"I was there four years, gave them billions and billions of dollars. I was the best friend Israel ever had, and still in 2020, now, I've done all these things, so now, Jewish people have no excuse ... You [The Jewish People] have to defeat Kamala Harris more than any other people on earth ... Israel, I believe, has to defeat her."
According to Le Monde, he also said, "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."
These statements have drawn criticism from some Jewish organizations. Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, accused Trump of using "a speech about antisemitism as an opportunity to embrace antisemitic tropes and attack the American Jewish community."
Trump has frequently questioned why Jewish Americans would consider voting for his opponents.
Vice President Kamala Harris, whose husband Doug Emhoff is Jewish, has previously asserted her "unwavering commitment to Israel" and condemned peope who associate with Hamas. But many wonder about her real feelings towards Israel, especially since October 7.