“Who Would Believe This Could Continue?” Trump Says of Antisemitism at White House Chanukah Event

U.S. President Donald Trump used a White House Chanukah reception on Tuesday to warn of rising antisemitism worldwide and what he described as growing hostility toward Jews in the United States.

Opening his remarks on the third night of Chanukah, Trump referenced the recent terror attack targeting the Chanukah celebration in Sydney. “Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and anti-Semitic terrorist attack,” he said. “We’re joined in mourning all of those who were killed, and we’re praying for the swift recovery of the wounded.” Trump framed the attack as part of a broader global threat, adding, “All nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism.”

Throughout the speech, Trump returned repeatedly to the theme of Jewish endurance and vulnerability, tying the Hanukkah story to what he described as a resurgence of antisemitism in modern times. “For thousands of years, the miracle of Hanukkah has reminded us of God’s love for the Jewish people as well as their enduring resilience and faith in the face of centuries of persecution,” he said. “And it continues. Who would believe this could continue?”

The president pointed to what he said was a troubling rise in antisemitism inside the United States, particularly in political institutions. “You have a Congress in particular, which is becoming antisemitic. You have AOC plus three; you have those people. Ilhan Omar, she hates Jewish people. And you have to be very careful, because there’s been a big change,” Trump said. “If you would’ve told me 15 years ago that that was possible, I would’ve said there’s no way.” Reflecting on political influence in Washington, Trump added, “The most powerful lobby that there is in this country is the Jewish lobby. It’s the Israeli lobby. It’s not that way anymore.”

Trump warned that denial of antisemitic violence was itself a growing danger, drawing a direct line between recent attacks and historical denialism. “Then you see what goes on in Australia or October 7th,” he said. “You have people that deny it ever happened.”

He compared such denial to Holocaust denial, saying, “How about the people that deny it like they deny the Holocaust?” He added, “Bad things are happening and we’re not gonna let that happen.”

Trump expanded on the issue by referencing footage from the October 7 Hamas attack that he said he personally viewed. “I saw tape that I wish I never saw, actually. I wish I never saw it,” he said. “As president, I got to see things I wish I never saw, but there’s no denying it.” He added, “Then they’ll say, ‘Oh, the tape was a rigged tape. It was a tape that never existed. They made it up. It’s just propaganda.’”

The president also highlighted Holocaust survivors in attendance, calling them a living reminder of Jewish survival. “We’re grateful to be joined by another reminder of that unbreakable strength, two courageous survivors of the Nazi Holocaust,” he said.

Reaffirming his commitment to the Jewish community, Trump told attendees, “As President of the United States, I will always support Jewish Americans and I will always be a friend and a champion to the Jewish people.”

Concluding his remarks, Trump returned to the symbolism of the holiday. “The story of Hanukkah reminds us that light will always prevail over darkness,” he said. Addressing the audience directly, he added, “You are protected. You are special people.”

The event concluded with the lighting of the menorah, as Trump wished attendees a happy holiday and reiterated his support for Israel and the Jewish people.