By Jill Colvin, Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Jews who vote for Democrats “hate Israel” and hate “their religion,” causing a strong negative reaction from the White House and Jewish leaders.
Trump, in an interview, was questioned about the increasing criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by Democrats regarding his management of the conflict in Gaza and the rising civilian death toll.
“I actually think they hate Israel,” Trump answered to his former aide, Sebastian Gorka. “I think they hate Israel and the Democrat party hates Israel.”
Trump, who recently became the Republican Party’s presumptive nominee, continued, claiming: “Any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion. They hate everything about Israel, and they should be ashamed of themselves because Israel will be destroyed.”
The remarks immediately drew strong criticism from the White House, President Joe Biden’s campaign, and Jewish leaders. Although the majority of Jewish Americans align with the Democratic Party, Trump has frequently accused them of disloyalty, perpetuating what critic