Key Takeaways:
- Over 50% of Jewish voters in the U.S. believe Donald Trump is antisemitic, and nearly 75% view him as dangerous.
- A majority disapprove of Trump’s handling of foreign policy and the economy.
- Concerns about antisemitism in the U.S. remain high, especially after recent global events.
- Many Jewish voters feel Trump’s actions may actually increase antisemitism rather than reduce it.
In a new poll released during Donald Trump’s Middle East tour, a significant number of U.S. Jewish voters expressed strong concerns about the former president. The survey, conducted by GBAO Strategies for the Jewish Voters Resource Center, highlights growing unease among Jewish Americans about Trump’s beliefs and actions.
The poll reveals that 52% of respondents believe Trump is antisemitic, while 72% think he is dangerous. Additionally, 75% disapprove of his handling of foreign policy, and 76% are unhappy with his management of the economy.
Trump’s History of Controversies
Trump has faced repeated accusations of antisemitism throughout his career. For instance, a 1990 article in Vanity Fair reported that he kept a book of Adolf Hitler’s speeches in his bedroom. Trump later claimed it was a copy of Hitler’s autobiography, Mein Kampf, gifted by a Jewish friend. However, the friend clarified that he was not Jewish and that the book was actually a collection of Hitler’s speeches. Trump responded ambiguously, saying, “If I had these speeches, and I am not saying that I do, I would never read them.”
Another controversy arose when Trump reportedly used an antisemitic stereotype about Jewish people handling money. A former employee claimed Trump once said, “The only kind of people I want counting my money are short guys that wear yarmulkes every day.”
More recently, Trump hosted Nick Fuentes, a Holocaust denier, and rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West), who has made antisemitic remarks, at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Despite these incidents, Trump denies being antisemitic. His daughter, Ivanka Trump, converted to Judaism before marrying Jared Kushner, a Jewish financier.
Jewish Voters’ Growing Concerns
The poll reflects Jewish voters’ heightened concerns about antisemitism in the U.S. A staggering 89% of respondents said they were worried about the rise of antisemitism, and 64% disapproved of Trump’s efforts to combat it.
Jim Gerstein, a strategist who helped conduct the poll, noted, “This survey shows how deeply concerned American Jews are about Trump. They see him as dangerous and believe his actions may be fueling antisemitism rather than fighting it.”
Interestingly, while concerns about antisemitism spiked after Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023, they have since decreased slightly. However, older Jewish voters remain more concerned than younger ones.
Trump’s Middle East Policies Under Fire
The poll was released as Trump embarked on his first foreign trip since starting his second term. Notably, his itinerary excluded Israel, a decision that has drawn criticism.
Trump’s administration has recently criticized pro-Palestinian protesters on college campuses, accusing them of antisemitism. At the same time, his team has targeted diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at universities, framing them as threats to free speech.
Jewish voters are not impressed. The poll shows that 74% oppose Trump’s controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians in Gaza to Arab countries and have the U.S. take control of the region.
Additionally, 69% of Jewish voters say they feel emotionally attached to Israel, but 61% hold an unfavorable view of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Many believe Netanyahu’s military actions in Gaza are driven by politics rather than national security.
Broad Opposition to Trump’s Policies
The poll paints a clear picture: Jewish voters overwhelmingly disagree with Trump’s policies.
- 74% disapprove of his foreign policy in general.
- 76% are unhappy with his handling of the economy.
Gerstein summed it up: “Jewish voters strongly oppose Trump’s domestic and foreign policy agenda. They reject his signature policies and proposals across the board.”
A Divisive Figure
While Trump denies being antisemitic, the poll suggests his actions and words have left a lasting impression on Jewish voters. Many see him as a figure who amplifies division and intolerance, rather than unity and understanding.
As the 2024 election approaches, these findings could play a significant role in shaping Jewish voters’ decisions at the polls.