Trump Is Making Jews Less Safe
Jews are paying the cost in blood. By encouraging the worst Israeli impulses and silencing critics, he is fanning the worst flames of antisemitism ever seen in America. And he knows it.
Donald Trump’s relationship with the Jewish community is troubling. He uses support for Israel and Jewish causes as political tools. But is indifferent to the surge of antisemitism his actions and rhetoric inspire. This isn’t about genuine concern for Jewish safety or well-being. Trump’s approach has spilled into deadly attacks. People are now paying with their lives for a strategy that treats Jewish communities as pawns.
Trump’s Promises
Trump has repeatedly promised to combat antisemitism. He positioned himself as a fierce defender of Israel and cracked down on what he labeled as antisemitism on college campuses.
Trump often talked about protecting Jewish Americans, pledging to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Israel and fight antisemitism wherever it showed up. These promises helped him gain support from parts of the Jewish community and painted him as a strong leader on issues that matter to their safety.
But when you look closer, his administration’s track record tells a different story. They went after pro-Palestinian activists hard, tolerated antisemitic comments from some allies, and Trump himself made divisive remarks about Jewish Americans. It often seemed like political loyalty and symbolism mattered more than real, inclusive protection.
In many ways, his promises became a cover for policies that ended up driving people apart and missing the real issues behind antisemitism. Even though he said he wanted to protect Jews, the environment his administration created made things more polarized and dangerous, leaving many Jewish communities feeling exposed instead of secure.
This gap between words and actions shows why it’s so important to weigh rhetoric against what actually happens—especially when it comes to the safety and well-being of marginalized groups.
Antisemitism Within the Trump Administration
Donald Trump’s public support for Israel often masked a troubling pattern of antisemitic rhetoric and problematic appointments within his administration. His attacks on Jewish Americans who opposed him politically, especially liberal Jews, revealed a divisive and deeply contradictory stance toward the community.
Trump famously drew a stark line between “good” Jews—those who support him and his hardline Israel stance—and “bad” Jews, exceptionally liberal ones. In 2019, he said, “I think any Jewish people that vote for a Democrat, I think it shows either a total lack of knowledge or great disloyalty [to Israel].” He went further, disparaging Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer by saying, “Schumer is a Palestinian as far as I’m concerned. He’s become a Palestinian. He used to be Jewish. He’s not Jewish anymore.” Using “Palestinian” as a slur, Trump questioned Schumer’s Jewish identity based solely on his political disagreements—an example of what political scientist Zack Beauchamp calls “pro-Israel antisemitism,” where Jewishness is reduced to support for Israel’s far-right government.
This rhetoric echoed antisemitic tropes that historically questioned Jewish loyalty and identity, revealing that Trump’s concern was less about protecting Jews and more about enforcing political loyalty under the guise of defending Israel.
Beyond words, Trump’s administration made appointments that raised alarm. One Pentagon spokesperson had a long history of promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories. Leo Terrell, head of the Department of Justice’s antisemitism task force under Trump, retweeted posts from infamous white nationalists. Influential MAGA figures and podcasters associated with Trump, like Candace Owens and Ian Carroll, have embraced or spread antisemitic ideas, including conspiracy theories blaming Israel for 9/11.
These examples show how antisemitism coexisted with Trump’s pro-Israel stance, undermining any claim that his administration had Jewish interests at heart beyond political calculation. As Beauchamp notes, this “pro-Israel antisemitism” involves loudly supporting Israel while tolerating or enabling antisemitic rhetoric and actions domestically.
Mainstream Jewish groups’ mixed responses—condemning some of Trump’s rhetoric but supporting his crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism—have inadvertently bolstered his credibility and allowed antisemitism to seep into political discourse under a pro-Israel banner. This dynamic has left many Jewish Americans wary, feeling that Trump’s administration prioritized political loyalty over genuine concern for their safety and well-being.
Transitioning from the internal contradictions within the Trump administration, it’s essential to examine how these policies translated into a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, particularly its unwavering support for Israel and its actions in Gaza.
The Trump Administration’s Approach to Israel and Gaza
Donald Trump’s presidency marked a decisive shift in U.S. policy toward Israel, characterized by an unreserved endorsement of the Israeli government’s most hardline stances, particularly regarding Gaza. This alliance went beyond traditional diplomacy, empowering a military and political strategy that many critics argue edges dangerously close to ethnic cleansing.
A pivotal moment came in 2018 with the relocation of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. This move signaled American recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital, breaking decades of diplomatic precedent. It deeply alienated Palestinians and much of the international community, effectively sidelining Palestinian claims to East Jerusalem. More than a symbolic gesture, it set the tone for the Trump administration’s approach: unwavering support for Israel regardless of the consequences.
This posture only intensified during repeated conflicts in Gaza, where the U.S. offered near-total backing for Israeli military operations. Civilian casualties and widespread destruction were dismissed mainly as unfortunate but necessary collateral damage, fueling anger and despair among Palestinians and their advocates worldwide.
The most explicit reflection of this shifting policy came recently with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public embrace of Trump’s “revolutionary” Gaza relocation plan as a non-negotiable condition for ending the ongoing conflict. In his May 2025 press conference, Netanyahu outlined Operation Gideon’s Chariots—an expanded Israeli military campaign in Gaza aimed at “completing the war” by defeating Hamas and bringing Gaza under complete Israeli security control. Central to this strategy is the forced displacement of Gaza’s civilian population, a plan championed by Trump and described by Netanyahu as “brilliant” and capable of “changing the face of the Middle East.”
This plan calls for the mass relocation of Gaza’s residents—a move many international observers and human rights advocates label as ethnic cleansing. By making its implementation a prerequisite for peace, Netanyahu highlights how Trump’s policies have shaped an Israeli military and diplomatic strategy focused on irreversible demographic and political transformation.
Alongside this, the Trump administration sidelined Palestinian political agency and dismissed long-standing calls for a viable two-state solution. The so-called “deal of the century” was widely condemned for legitimizing Israeli annexation of West Bank territories and ignoring Palestinian rights, further emboldening settlement expansion and military aggression.
In Netanyahu’s words, echoed in recent statements, the U.S. and Israel are “coordinated” in their commitment to ensure Gaza “does not present a threat”—a commitment that translates into disarming, relocating, and controlling Gaza’s population. This approach, however, overlooks the profound humanitarian consequences and silences the voices of those living under siege.
In essence, Trump’s administration did more than provide diplomatic support; it paved the way for an Israeli strategy centered on demographic engineering in Gaza. By elevating this approach, the U.S. empowered policies that many argue cross from security measures into systematic displacement, deepening cycles of violence and instability throughout the region.
Moving from policy to its broader effects, this next section explores how Trump’s approach emboldened some of the most extreme and dangerous impulses within Israeli politics and society.
Trump Awakening the Worst Impulses in Israel
Trump’s presidency didn’t merely shift policy; it seemed to unleash and amplify some of the most extreme and dangerous impulses within Israeli politics and society. His administration’s steadfast backing of Israel’s right-wing government sent a clear message. There would be no pressure to moderate, no consequences for aggressive actions, and no challenge to policies many feared would push the region toward turmoil.
This environment emboldened hardliners to pursue aggressive policies with renewed confidence. Settlement expansion in the West Bank surged, often flouting international law and widespread condemnation. Military operations in Gaza grew increasingly ruthless, showing less regard for civilian lives or long-term stability. Political leaders adopted inflammatory rhetoric, dismissing peace efforts and embracing measures that skirt the edges of ethnic cleansing.
Trump’s refusal to hold Israel accountable essentially gave a green light to advocates of a “greater Israel” vision—one that dismisses Palestinian rights and aims for a state dominated by Jewish settlers, often at the expense of Palestinian communities. This vision threatens any remaining hope for a two-state solution and perpetuates a cycle of conflict.
More than policy shifts, Trump’s tone and rhetoric emboldened societal divisions within Israel. Calls for caution, justice, and peace were marginalized or attacked, while far-right and nationalist sentiments gained tacit support from the world’s most powerful ally. This normalization made it harder to challenge extremist views.
Ultimately, Trump’s tenure didn’t just support Israel—it awakened the most dangerous impulses simmering within its society and government. What might once have been restrained policy debates turned into unapologetic campaigns of territorial and political dominance. This shift escalated tensions in the region and contributed to a broader climate of fear and insecurity for Palestinians and Jewish communities abroad caught in the crossfire of these hardening divides.
Turning to the domestic front, the Trump administration’s crackdown on dissent reveals another layer of the problem: how silencing pro-Palestinian voices has distorted political discourse and fueled antisemitism.
Silencing Pro-Palestinian Voices: A Dangerous Precedent
Under the Trump administration, pro-Palestinian activists faced unprecedented targeting—from deportations and legal actions to harsh public condemnation. This aggressive crackdown didn’t just limit dissent; it set a dangerous precedent by conflating legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies with antisemitism.
By labeling pro-Palestinian activism as inherently antisemitic, the administration effectively silenced crucial political discourse. Voices calling for Palestinian rights, humanitarian relief, and fair treatment were drowned out or criminalized, narrowing the space for honest debate on the conflict. This suppression isn’t just about free speech—it distorts the conversation and prevents meaningful engagement with the realities on the ground.
Moreover, this climate of silencing fueled far-right and conspiracy-driven narratives that have long been a source of antisemitism. When criticism of Israeli policy is shut down or painted as taboo, it breeds suspicion and resentment. Extremists exploit this silence to push conspiracy theories that Jews control governments, media, or financial systems—age-old antisemitic tropes repackaged in the guise of political protest.
By shutting down pro-Palestinian voices, the administration inadvertently strengthened these harmful stereotypes and conspiracies. Instead of fostering understanding or nuanced dialogue, it deepened divisions and made Jewish communities more vulnerable to hate fueled by misinformation.
Genuine opposition to antisemitism requires protecting the right to criticize any government’s policies—including Israel’s—without fear of being branded hateful. Suppressing these voices doesn’t combat hatred; it drives it underground, where it festers and grows, putting everyone at greater risk.
The violent consequences of this toxic climate are clear when looking at the rise in antisemitic violence in the United States, particularly linked to the Gaza conflict.
How the Conflict in Gaza Has Fueled Antisemitic Violence in the U.S.
The violent attacks in Boulder, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., in 2025 reveal how the escalating conflict in Gaza has been twisted into a deadly justification for antisemitic violence on American soil. The attackers explicitly connected their actions to the turmoil in Gaza, showing how rhetoric and policies surrounding the conflict can spark real-world hate crimes.
In Boulder, the attacker shouted "Free Palestine" while using incendiary devices to set people on fire at a pro-Israel event supporting hostages held in Gaza. He later told investigators that he wanted to kill all Zionist people and wished them dead, directly tying his hatred to the Israel-Palestine conflict and the situation in Gaza.
Similarly, the attackers in Washington, D.C., expressed anger over Israeli military actions in Gaza. Their violent acts were motivated by opposition to Israel’s operations in Gaza, using the conflict as a justification for targeting Jewish individuals.
These statements demonstrate a dangerous dynamic: the conflict in Gaza has become a rallying point for extremists who conflate political grievances with deadly antisemitism. When criticism of Israeli policy is silenced or oversimplified, it leaves room for violent actors to exploit the conflict as a pretext for hate crimes.
Jewish communities in the U.S. are bearing the brunt of this violence, caught in the crossfire of a conflict weaponized far beyond its original context. The rhetoric surrounding Gaza is no longer just about politics—it's become a catalyst for brutality and fear in communities across the country.
Recognizing the diversity within Jewish communities is crucial for understanding how these dynamics unfold domestically.
Ignoring Diversity Within Jewish Communities
One of the most overlooked aspects of the Trump administration’s approach to Israel was its failure to recognize the diversity of opinions within Jewish communities, especially in the United States. Jewish Americans are far from a monolith when it comes to Israel; many hold critical views of Israeli government policies, particularly regarding Gaza and the occupied territories.
Several prominent Jewish voices have spoken out against the war and the administration’s hardline stance. Organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace, which includes many Jewish members and leaders, have actively protested Israeli military actions, advocating for Palestinian rights and an end to violence. Figures such as Rabbi Michael Lerner and author Peter Beinart have publicly criticized the war and called for diplomatic solutions, emphasizing that their Jewish identity compels them to seek peace rather than conflict.
These anti-war Jewish activists often feel alienated and threatened by a political climate that equates criticism of Israel with disloyalty or antisemitism. They report being marginalized within broader Jewish and political communities, facing accusations that silence or dismiss their perspectives. This atmosphere makes it difficult for many to safely express dissent or participate in anti-war protests, even as they seek to protect both Palestinians and Jews from the harms of ongoing conflict.
By ignoring this diversity, the administration complicated the conversation about Jewish safety. It falsely suggested that protecting Jewish communities meant endorsing every Israeli policy, when in reality, a broad spectrum of Jewish voices challenge those policies precisely because they seek to reduce violence and promote genuine security for all.
This erasure of dissenting Jewish perspectives not only narrowed political dialogue but also weakened efforts to address antisemitism comprehensively. Proper safety for Jewish communities comes from acknowledging and respecting their varied views, not from demanding political conformity.
Fighting Antisemitism for Real: Building Coalitions and Pursuing Peace
If we want to truly fight antisemitism, it’s going to take more than slogans and political posturing. Real progress comes from honest work—building broad coalitions that bring people together, not tear them apart. That means Jewish communities joining forces with other marginalized groups, activists, and allies who understand that hate thrives when division wins.
At the same time, the fight against antisemitism is tied up with what happens in the Middle East. Endless conflict there doesn’t just cause suffering thousands of miles away; it fuels fear, anger, and suspicion that can spiral into hatred here at home. Genuine peace efforts—ones that respect the rights and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians—are essential. When people see hope for justice and coexistence, it deflates the narratives extremists use to spread antisemitism and other forms of hate.
This isn’t about taking sides blindly but about recognizing that lasting safety for Jewish communities depends on ending cycles of violence and building bridges instead of walls. Governments, activists, and everyday people all have a role to play by supporting diplomacy, human rights, and inclusive dialogue.
In the end, fighting antisemitism isn’t just about protecting one community—it’s about creating a society where everyone can live free from fear and hatred. That kind of change won’t come from shortcuts or empty promises—it takes courage, collaboration, and a commitment to peace that goes beyond borders.
Conclusion: The Costs of a Divisive Approach to Jewish Safety
The Trump administration’s stance on Israel and antisemitism, despite its professed support for Jewish communities, reveals a troubling contradiction. Its hardline policies and rhetoric, both domestically and abroad, have deepened divisions rather than fostered protection. By equating Jewish identity solely with unwavering support for Israel’s most extreme policies, the administration alienated many Jewish Americans who seek peace and justice, narrowing the space for diverse voices and honest dialogue.
Moreover, the aggressive crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism and the linking of federal funding to combating antisemitism risked fueling dangerous conspiracy theories about Jewish control and financial leverage. As Alex Pascal, an architect of the Biden administration’s antisemitism strategy, warns, these tactics erode civil liberties—the very foundation of democracy that protects all communities from hate. Such measures don’t protect Jews; they play into historic tropes and deepen societal fractures.
Trump’s unconditional backing of Israel’s hardline military actions, including endorsing plans that amount to forced displacement in Gaza, has emboldened extremist policies and heightened tensions. This “blank check” approach risks a boomerang effect, increasing antisemitic violence in the U.S., as seen in the tragic attacks in Boulder and Washington, D.C., where perpetrators explicitly cited the conflict in Gaza as motivation.
Proper safety for Jewish communities cannot come from political loyalty tests or silencing dissenting voices. It requires recognizing the diversity within Jewish communities, protecting free speech, including criticism of any government’s policies, and building inclusive, democratic societies. The Biden administration’s collaborative and rights-based approach offers a model for how the fight against antisemitism can be effective without sacrificing the values that safeguard all Americans.
Ultimately, what feels like protection today can quickly turn into persecution if it undermines democracy and civil rights. The best defense against antisemitism is not the protection of strongmen or partisan agendas, but the vigilant preservation of the rule of law, respect for diversity, and honest, open dialogue. Without this, the cycle of violence, fear, and division will only deepen, leaving Jewish communities and society as a whole more vulnerable than ever.