WASHINGTON – In a speech on anti-Semitism on Thursday, former President Donald Trump took aim at Jewish-Americans, criticizing their strong support for the Democratic Party. He reiterated his perspective that Jews who support Vice President Kamala Harris this fall should “have their head examined.”

“I really haven’t been treated very well, but that’s the story of my life,” Trump stated during the address, which took place at a hotel on Capitol Hill. He noted that he only garnered 24% of the Jewish vote in the 2020 election, despite considering himself “the best president ever” for Jewish people and Israel.

The event focused on combatting anti-Semitism and was organized by Miriam Adelson, a physician and philanthropist known for her substantial donations to the Republican Party. She is the widow of Sheldon Adelson, a significant supporter of the GOP.

“I will be the best friend Jewish-Americans have ever had in the White House,” Trump told the largely sympathetic audience.

Critics argued that Trump is perpetuating stereotypes by reducing Jewish voters to a single issue: Israel.

“Donald Trump can’t help but disparage millions of American Jews when he’s speaking to Jews,” remarked Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, in a post on the social media platform X. “There’s a name for this form of hatred – he’s an anti-Semite.”

Soifer shared a comment from Trump expressing disappointment over his lack of support from the Jewish community.

“I have to say this, and it hurts me to say it, you’re going to still vote for Democrats, and it doesn’t make sense,” he mentioned during a speech meant to address anti-Semitism in the U.S.

At another point, he said: “I just find it so hard to believe.” He also claimed to believe “100%” of the Jewish vote.

He argued that Jewish voters should support him based on his record regarding Israel, referencing his decision to relocate the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and support in the fight against Hamas.

In both speeches, he claimed that a victory for Harris would spell disaster for Israel.

Furthermore, the Republican candidate asserted that if he loses to Harris in the upcoming election, the Jewish vote could be a contributing factor.

In a separate post on X, Amy Spitalnick, CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, stated that “Trump’s antisemitism speech is, for the umpteenth time, advancing this antisemitic trope. Stop dividing Jews into “good” and “bad” camps. Stop labeling those who don’t support you as crazy or disloyal. Stop playing into dual loyalty tropes. All of it makes Jews less safe.”