Trump: uses the Hanukkah celebration as a platform to defend Israel
Trump: In front of an enthusiastic crowd that cheered, chanted slogans, and applauded well-known political refrains, US President Donald Trump used a White House Hanukkah reception to give a campaign-style speech defending Israel, condemning antisemitism, and highlighting what he described as his administration’s actions against Iran and Hamas.
Trump emphasized his support for Israel and Jewish Americans on Tuesday when addressing a crowded East Room of the White House. He mixed policy assertions with political jabs and personal asides.
The president paused and smiled at the audience’s repeated cries of “Four more years” and “We love Trump.”
Trump began his speech by denouncing a horrific shooting that was antisemitic and took place at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. According to local authorities, the shooting was motivated by the Islamic State group.
He said, “Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers to the entire nation, the people of Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and anti-Semitic terrorist attack, which is exactly what it is—anti-Semitic.”
Trump said, “As President of the United States, I will always support Jewish Americans, and I will always, I will always be a friend and a champion to the Jewish people,” casting his administration as being particularly supportive of Jewish Americans.
He issued a warning that antisemitism was on the rise in the US, especially on college campuses and in politics. The Jewish lobby was the most powerful in Washington ten, twelve, or fifteen years ago, at the latest. Israel was the country. “That isn’t true anymore,” he said. In particular, the Congress is become antisemitic. You have those individuals in addition to AOC plus three.
Trump also brought up regional security and the Israel-Hamas conflict. “We achieved peace in the Middle East, and that peace is genuine. They know it’s serious danger if Hamas misbehaves,” he said.
The president took advantage of the opportunity to review US military action against Iran’s nuclear installations, vividly describing what he called pinpoint attacks conducted by US soldiers. Trump defended his use of the term “obliterated” by saying: “The Atomic Energy Commission said there was total obliteration shortly thereafter.” Iran declared it to be complete annihilation.
He criticized CNN in particular for their coverage of the operation. False information against you. “Fake News,” he stated, adding that he was standing up for the American pilots that executed the task.
Supporters cheered when Trump resorted to well-known campaign language, using terms like “fake news,” “Pocahontas,” and “AOC plus three.” Telling the audience that this was the first time he had taken notes to a holiday meal, he made light of his prepared comments. He said, “I have to read because I have done so much for Israel.”
The menorah is lit for eight nights during Hanukkah, also called the Festival of Lights, which honors the rededication of Jerusalem’s Second Temple.
Hanukkah festivities have long been held in the White House as a way to engage with the American Jewish community, fusing political symbolism with religious devotion.