Trump's remarks have faced strong backlash from Jewish and Muslim groups, underscoring the persistent tensions in political discussions within the U.S.
U.S. President
Donald Trump has faced criticism from various Jewish and Muslim organizations after he referred to Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer as having 'become a Palestinian.' These comments, made during a press event in the Oval Office, mark a notable shift from conventional political dialogue, with Trump asserting, 'He used to be Jewish. He's not Jewish anymore; he's a Palestinian.'
Senator Schumer, a prominent Democratic leader and the Senate minority leader from New York, is under pressure from Republican legislators regarding a temporary plan to avert a government shutdown. He has a long-standing history of supporting Israel, advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict while also voicing criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza.
The remarks have drawn immediate backlash.
The Anti-Defamation League, a Jewish advocacy organization, issued a statement underscoring that a president should not determine individuals' religious identities, criticizing Trump's use of the term 'Palestinian' as an inappropriate slur for someone in his position.
Nihad Awad, the executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), condemned Trump's statement as 'offensive and beneath the dignity of his office,' calling for an apology.
Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, denounced Trump's language as 'abhorrent,' connecting it to a troubling pattern of behavior that, she argues, endangers the safety of American Jews. She voiced concerns about Trump's previous ties to antisemitic rhetoric and extremist groups.
Senator Schumer's office has not yet released a public response to these recent comments.
It is worth noting that Trump has previously made similar statements about Schumer, including a controversial proposition regarding the Gaza Strip and past allegations during campaigns that Schumer had links to Hamas.
These developments occur in the context of intensified discussions surrounding religious identity, cultural representation, and political rhetoric in the United States.