Trump’s Bold Claim Shakes Up Political Arena

Former President Donald Trump accuses Democrats of sympathizing with terrorists, intensifying political divisions on national security issues.

At a Glance

Trump addressed the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) via video link, criticizing Democratic leadership.
He claimed Kamala Harris represents forces against Western Civilization and Israel.
Trump pledged to keep America and Israel safe if re-elected.
The RJC is investing $15 million to mobilize Jewish voters in swing states.

Trump’s Accusations and Promises

Former President Donald Trump addressed the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual confab in Las Vegas, leveling sharp criticism against the Democratic leadership. Speaking via video link, Trump accused the Democratic Party of sympathizing with terrorists and painted a stark contrast between his policies and those of his political opponents.

Trump rips ‘deeply sick’ Dems for sympathizing with terrorists during virtual Republican Jewish Coalition appearance https://t.co/J9Ix0kWb40 pic.twitter.com/ycKDX7iguW

— New York Post (@nypost) September 5, 2024

Trump’s remarks centered on national security and support for Israel, two key issues for the RJC audience. He condemned the recent actions of Hamas terrorists, including the killing of six Jewish hostages, among them Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin. This condemnation served as a backdrop for his broader critique of Democratic policies.

Kamala Harris in the Crosshairs

Trump reserved particularly pointed criticism for Vice President Kamala Harris, positioning her as a threat to both Western values and Israel’s existence. His comments underscored the deep political divide on foreign policy and national security issues.

“Kamala Harris is the candidate of the forces who want to destroy Western Civilization and Israel,” Trump told attendees via video link. “I am the candidate of those who want to defend Western Civilization, defend Israel.”

This stark characterization of Harris and, by extension, the Democratic Party, resonated with the RJC audience. Attendees displayed pro-Trump placards and expressed dismay towards Harris, reflecting the former president’s continued influence within conservative circles.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Record and Promises

Throughout his address, Trump emphasized his foreign policy record during his presidency. He painted a picture of a safer America, a protected Israel, and a more secure global landscape under his leadership.

“When I left office, America was safe. Israel was safe. The Jewish people were safe, and the whole world was at peace,” he said. “American Jews felt safe on our streets and college campuses when I was president and we kept radical Islamic terrorists out of our country.”

Trump pledged to “keep America safe, and make sure that Israel is with us for thousands of years” if re-elected. This promise, coupled with his criticism of the current administration’s policies, forms a central part of his appeal to conservative Jewish voters.

RJC’s Electoral Strategy

The Republican Jewish Coalition is ramping up its efforts to influence the upcoming election. Matt Brooks, RJC’s chief executive, announced a $15 million campaign to mobilize Jewish voters in swing states. This significant investment underscores the importance the organization places on the Jewish vote in key battleground areas.

The strategy appears to be resonating with some voters. Harvard University graduate student Shabbos Kestenbaum, a registered Democrat, expressed his intent to vote for Trump due to perceived anti-Jewish positions of Biden and Harris. This shift highlights the potential for Trump’s message to sway traditionally Democratic voters on issues of Israel and national security.

As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s accusations against Democrats and his promises of security for America and Israel are likely to remain central themes in his campaign. The reception at the RJC event suggests that these messages continue to resonate with a significant portion of conservative voters, particularly those prioritizing Israel’s security and strong anti-terrorism policies.