Trump Alleges Harris's Disdain for Jewish People in Radio Interview

Former President Donald Trump, in a Tuesday interview, alleged that Vice President Kamala Harris, who is married to a Jewish man, "doesn't like Jewish people." He seemed to agree with a radio host who called second gentleman Doug Emhoff "a crappy Jew." Trump claimed Harris appeared uncomfortable during a recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump stated, "You can see the disdain," adding, "No. 1, she doesn't like Israel. No. 2, she doesn't like Jewish people. You know it, I know it and everybody knows it and nobody wants to say it." He has been attempting to exploit divisions within the Democratic Party over the Israel-Hamas conflict, painting his political opponents as antisemitic while ignoring some of his own controversial actions.

Trump's Comments on Jewish Voters

In the interview on WABC radio, Trump reiterated his previous remarks about Jewish voters who support Democrats. He said anyone who does "should have their head examined" and added, "if you're Jewish, if you vote for a Democrat, you're a fool, an absolute fool. They have let Jewish people down since Obama at a level that nobody could believe." He continued to assert that Harris dislikes Jewish people and Israel even more than President Joe Biden did.

The interview host Sid Rosenberg mentioned Harris's husband, Doug Emhoff, saying, "He's Jewish like Bernie Sanders is Jewish. Are you kidding me?" Trump responded affirmatively. Rosenberg then called Emhoff "a crappy Jew," to which Trump agreed again. Rosenberg further criticised Emhoff as "a horrible Jew," before they moved on to other issues concerning Harris.

Harris Campaign's Response

James Singer, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign, responded to Trump's comments by stating, "America is better than the fear, hate, and despicable insults of Donald Trump." He added that Vice President Harris believes Americans want a president who unites the country instead of dividing it and uses the presidency's power to help families rather than harm them.

Trump has intensified his attacks on Harris as she is seen as a potential replacement for President Joe Biden in the upcoming Democratic presidential nomination. This escalation includes repeating claims about her supposed disdain for Jewish people during various public appearances.

Emhoff's Role and Actions

Doug Emhoff, the first Jewish person to serve as the spouse of a nationally elected US leader, has been actively involved in combating antisemitism. He has hung mezuzahs on the doorposts of the vice president's residence and led Passover celebrations at the White House. Despite these efforts, Trump's campaign has also targeted Emhoff's adult daughter Ella for sharing a fundraising link for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees on her social media account.

Trump made similar accusations about Harris disliking Jewish people last Friday while addressing a Christian group at a Turning Point USA event in Florida. He has faced backlash in the past for making comparable remarks about Jewish people. For instance, in March, he claimed that Jews who vote for Democrats "hate Israel" and hate "their religion."

Emhoff's office declined to comment on Tuesday regarding Trump's latest statements. Meanwhile, European leaders have dismissed Israel's accusations against the UN Relief and Works Agency as baseless.

As Trump continues his campaign strategy by criticising his political opponents over their stance on Israel and Jewish people, it remains to be seen how these tactics will influence voters in the upcoming elections.