The current administration under President Donald Trump claims to combat antisemitism through measures such as the arrest of students and threats towards universities. Critics argue that this approach serves as a weak justification for actions, yet it also reveals a more nuanced and potentially perilous aspect. President Trump appears to be redefining antisemitism in a manner that aligns with ideologies potentially detrimental to Jewish Americans. Notably, the administration does not universally condemn all beliefs that vilify Jewish people. For instance, the “Great Replacement Theory,” which has been linked to tragic events like the massacre at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, is not uniformly denounced by the administration. Moreover, Trump has previously acknowledged “very fine people” among the Charlottesville marchers who voiced anti-Jewish sentiments.
The administration’s stance on religious discrimination is similarly selective. Despite the creation of the “Muslim Ban,” Trump has associated with individuals like Nick Fuentes and Laura Loomer, both known for their controversial views on Judaism and Islam. However, the administration has consistently supported Jewish territorial claims in the Israel/Palestine region. During Trump’s presidency, policies were overturned to legalize West Bank settlements and proposals were made for annexing Palestinian territories. This support extends to questioning Israel’s past decisions regarding Gaza and appointing an ambassador with strong views on Jewish claims to the West Bank.
While the administration supports these territorial claims, it’s argued that this does not equate to genuine acceptance of Jewish people. The American Jewish Committee has highlighted associations with Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, known for antisemitism, yet notable for its backing of Israel—a stance that aligns with AfD’s Christian nationalist agenda. This reflects a belief in homogeneous national identities, as emphasized by Trump and supporters like JD Vance, who define a “nation” as a collective with a shared history rather than a geographical or ideological entity. Such views influence Trump’s opposition to birthright citizenship and his proposal to relocate millions of Gazans.
This nationalist perspective equates Judaism with the political movement for a homeland in the Middle East, and Trump’s congressional allies equate anti-Zionism with antisemitism. This perspective risks the safety of Jewish Americans by framing them as outsiders in their own country, suggesting that their allegiance lies with Israel and not the United States. This narrative makes the acceptance of Jewish Americans conditional on their support for Jewish nationalism abroad. Trump’s remarks about Jewish Democrats and politicians like Senator Chuck Schumer further illustrate this conditional acceptance.
Ultimately, this politicized interpretation of antisemitism portrays Jewish Americans who support the Democratic Party as adversaries against their faith. This perspective is now being used to justify the curtailment of free speech on campuses under the guise of protecting against religious persecution. It’s crucial for the public to recognize and critically assess these narratives.
