Trump claims the Israel lobby’s influence in US Congress is waning.
According to the New York Post, Trump accused the US Congress of “anti-Semitism” at a Hanukkah candle lighting ceremony at the White House on Tuesday.
He expressed concern about the situation, warning attendees that the Jewish state’s influence in the United States was waning.
“I will always be a friend and supporter of the Jewish people,” he said. “If you go back 10, 12, 15 years ago, the most powerful lobby in Washington was the Jewish lobby. It was Israel. But that’s not the case anymore.”
“You have to be very careful. You have a Congress, especially, that is anti-Semitic. You have Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, plus three other people; you have these individuals. Ilhan Omar hates Jews, and you have to be very careful, because there’s a big chance.”
Trump was referring to three Democratic members of Congress who have been the targets of his rhetoric for their support for the people of Gaza.
The newspaper added that the attendees at the event were mostly Republican supporters, although there were also some liberal figures, including Florida Democrat Jared Moskovitz.
Trump added, “There are a lot of people in Congress who don’t like Israel. They hate Israel, and it’s obviously getting worse, less so in the Senate, but it’s starting there. When I talk to people behind the scenes, I see this hatred.”
He then referred to the attack on a Jewish ceremony on Sydney’s Bandai Beach, Australia, and said in a pleading tone: “Please be vigilant and careful.”
The newspaper close to the US president continued: Trump, in his usual style of speech, jumped from one branch to another and also mentioned the construction of a ballroom at the White House. Referring to the opposition to the demolition of the East Wing of the White House and the implementation of his proposed project, he said: “It will be the most beautiful ballroom, and it will be used for the inauguration.”
He also made a sarcastic reference to former US President Joe Biden, saying, “You know, when you fall, it’s not good for politics. We had a guy who fell a lot. I don’t want to talk too much, because I’m sure it’s going to be my turn one day.”
He continued: “They’re waiting, the press. They want Trump to fall off the stage. Then they’ll be all over me.”