Former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning during a speech to Republican Jews, claiming that Israel’s existence would be in jeopardy if US Vice President Kamala Harris were to become president.
“I will work with you to ensure Israel thrives for thousands of years,” Trump said in a satellite address to the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual conference in Las Vegas. “But if she becomes president, there won’t be an Israel anymore… it will cease to exist.”
This statement underscores Trump’s ongoing effort to attract Jewish voters, as he expressed disappointment over not receiving broader support from them despite his Middle East policies.
“I don’t understand how anyone, especially Jewish people, can support the Democrats,” Trump told the audience. “They’ve treated you very poorly.”
Reflecting on his past electoral support, Trump remarked, “After four years, I earned about 25 to 26 percent of the Jewish vote, even after all I’ve done for Israel. This time, I expect to hit 50 percent.”
However, polling conducted in June, before President Joe Biden exited the race, showed Trump’s support among American Jews at 24%.
As he has been criticized in the past, Trump again blurred the distinction between American Jews and Israelis, telling the crowd, “What you’re going through right now is horrible—the death, destruction, and the devastation of civilization,” though he did not elaborate on this remark. The audience responded enthusiastically, cheering throughout his speech.
Trump went on to warn that both Israel and the United States would be imperiled if Democrats were to win the presidency. “You won’t survive if they take power, and neither will our country,” he said, echoing themes he’s used previously, which some have criticized as playing into a dual loyalty trope.
He also claimed that Jewish people felt safer in public during his presidency, despite a documented rise in antisemitic incidents during that time.
“If Kamala Harris wins, terrorist armies will launch a relentless campaign to drive Jews out of the Holy Land,” Trump declared.
