NEW YORK (AP) — Former President Donald Trump stirred controversy during a Tuesday interview on WABC radio, where he claimed Vice President Kamala Harris “doesn’t like Jewish people.”
Trump’s remarks also seemed to endorse derogatory comments made by the radio host about the second gentleman Doug Emhoff, who is married to Harris.
In the interview, Trump suggested that Harris appeared uncomfortable during her recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “You can see the disdain.”
He further claimed, “No. 1, she doesn’t like Israel. No. 2, she doesn’t like Jewish people. You know it, I know it and everybody knows it and nobody wants to say it.”
Trump’s comments align with his broader strategy to exploit divisions within the Democratic Party over the Israel-Hamas conflict.
He has used these tensions to paint his opponents as antisemitic, despite his own controversial history, including dining with a Holocaust-denying white nationalist at his Florida club.
James Singer, a spokesperson for the Harris campaign, responded sharply: “America is better than the fear, hate, and despicable insults of Donald Trump.”
He emphasized that Vice President Harris aims to unite the country and support families, contrasting with Trump’s divisive rhetoric.
Trump’s criticisms extended to Jewish voters who support Democrats, calling them “fools” and accusing them of letting Jewish people down since President Obama’s administration.
He reiterated his belief that Harris has a stronger dislike for Jewish people and Israel than President Biden.
During the interview, Trump also engaged with host Sid Rosenberg, who described Emhoff as “a crappy Jew” and “a horrible Jew.” Trump did not challenge these statements, responding with agreement.
Trump has previously made similar claims about Harris and Jewish people, including remarks in March where he suggested that Jewish Democrats “hate Israel” and their religion.
Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of a U.S. leader, has been active in addressing antisemitism and celebrating Jewish traditions at the White House.
According to the source, his office declined to comment on Trump’s latest statements.
Trump’s campaign has also targeted Emhoff’s adult daughter, Ella, over a social media post promoting a fundraising link for the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, a group Israel accuses of supporting terrorists.
European leaders have disputed this claim.
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Rosenberg, known for his conservative views and previous controversies, hosts “Sid and Friends in the Morning” on 77 WABC.
He has faced backlash for past racist comments and was involved in the incident leading to Don Imus’ firing from his show in 2007.