According to the Associated Press, former President Donald Trump made accusations against Vice President Kamala Harris during a recent radio interview, alleging she harbors animosity toward Jewish people and Israel.
In an interview with WABC radio on Tuesday, Trump accused Harris, whose husband Doug Emhoff is Jewish, of disliking Jewish individuals and Israel.
During the interview with radio host Sid Rosenberg, Trump concurred with Rosenberg's derogatory assertions about Emhoff, labeling him a "crappy Jew."
This exchange aired in the wake of Harris's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which Trump described as uncomfortable and pointed to as evidence of her alleged disdain.
Trump criticized Harris heavily, claiming, "You can see the disdain. No. 1, she doesn’t like Israel. No. 2, she doesn’t like Jewish people." This remark is part of Trump's broader strategy to exploit perceived fractures within the Democratic Party concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The former president also has a history of making provocative remarks himself, including previously dining with a Holocaust-denying white nationalist. His rhetoric around Jewish constituents has been controversial, continuing with his assertion that Jewish people who support Democrats are "fools."
The radio discussion also included criticisms aimed at Emhoff's Jewish identity. Rosenberg sarcastically questioned Emhoff's Jewish authenticity, with Trump voicing agreement.
Emhoff, notable for his actions against antisemitism such as displaying mezuzahs at the vice president's residence and leading White House Passover celebrations, saw his daughter, Ella Emhoff, criticized by Trump's campaign for fundraising for Palestinian refugees.
The Harris campaign, represented by spokesperson James Singer, condemned Trump's remarks, stating, "America is better than the fear, hate, and despicable insults of Donald Trump." Singer emphasized Harris's belief in a presidency that unites rather than divides the nation.
This isn’t the first instance of Trump making these claims about Harris. He echoed similar sentiments at a Turning Point USA gathering in Florida, aiming to underscore perceived hypocrisy and target Jewish Democratic voters.
Emhoff’s office has chosen not to comment on the recent allegations made during the WABC interview. His role as the second gentleman includes active efforts to combat antisemitism and support for Jewish traditions within the residence he shares with Vice President Harris.
Rosenberg, known for controversial and often racially insensitive comments, including past derogatory statements about Venus and Serena Williams, engaged in a similar pattern of behavior during the interview with Trump. The former president’s alignment with Rosenberg’s comments furthers the inflammatory discourse surrounding his critique of Harris and Emhoff.
Trump's interview on WABC has highlighted his escalating attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris, particularly focusing on her relationships with Jewish individuals and Israel. Rosenberg's disparaging comments about Doug Emhoff’s Jewish identity and Trump’s agreement underscore the charged rhetoric used against Harris’s stance on Jewish issues. Critics, including Harris’s campaign, have condemned these remarks as divisive at a time when unity is sought in American politics.
