Donald Trump is leveling criticism against Joe Biden for what he sees as a weak response to antisemitism, particularly pointing to the recent clashes on college campuses over the conflict in Gaza. However, Trump’s attacks overlook his own history of using language reminiscent of Nazi Germany and perpetuating stereotypes about Jews and politics.
In his latest remarks at a private event with Republican donors, Trump accused the Biden administration of running a “Gestapo administration,” drawing parallels to the secret police force of Nazi Germany. This drew condemnation from Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, who labeled it a deliberate tactic to shift focus away from Trump’s own track record.
Biden’s campaign fired back, denouncing Trump’s comments as “despicable” and an attack on law enforcement. Despite Trump’s attempts to position himself as a champion against antisemitism, his remarks come amidst heightened tensions over the Israel-Hamas conflict and demonstrations.
Trump and other Republicans have seized on the unrest on college campuses, portraying it as a sign of weakness from Biden and the Democrats. They’ve particularly highlighted incidents of antisemitic chants and messages during pro-Palestinian protests.
In response, Trump’s campaign released a video contrasting the candidates’ stances on antisemitism, emphasizing Trump’s pledges to stand with the Jewish community. However, critics pointed out selective editing, such as excluding Biden’s calls for humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Trump’s campaign spokesperson criticized Biden for what they perceived as a delayed response to the campus protests, accusing him of pandering for votes. However, Biden’s campaign reiterated his condemnation of antisemitism and emphasized Trump’s own controversial remarks and associations.
Trump’s history of divisive rhetoric, including his comments after the Charlottesville rally in 2017, where he controversially claimed there were “very fine people on both sides,” further fuels the ongoing debate over his stance on antisemitism.
Despite ongoing criticism, Trump continues to maintain a strong base of support, with his remarks and actions shaping the discourse around antisemitism and broader political divisions.
