Staff Reports
President Donald Trump made headlines this week after declaring Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer “not Jewish anymore” and calling him a “Palestinian” during a meeting with Ireland’s prime minister. The remarks came as tensions over U.S.-Israel policy and government spending bills dominate Washington.
Trump doubled down on his long-running criticism of Schumer, accusing him of abandoning his Jewish identity over his stance on Middle East issues. “Schumer is a Palestinian as far as I’m concerned. He used to be Jewish. He’s not Jewish anymore,” Trump said. The president has repeatedly used “Palestinian” as an insult toward Democrats he views as insufficiently supportive of Israel.
Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish official in U.S. history, has been a vocal critic of Trump’s approach to antisemitism and foreign policy. Earlier this year, Schumer delivered a major speech calling for new elections in Israel and criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the Gaza war. Conservatives argue this undermines America’s closest Middle East ally during a critical conflict.
Jewish and Muslim groups condemned Trump’s latest comments. The Anti-Defamation League called it “antisemitic and racist” to question Schumer’s faith, while CAIR slammed the use of “Palestinian” as a slur. But many conservatives praised Trump for calling out what they see as Schumer’s weak support for Israel. Former Trump ambassador David Friedman tweeted: “Metaphorically speaking, I couldn’t have said it better.”
Schumer has pushed back against Trump’s attacks, wearing a “Stand Up to Jewish Hate” pin at recent public events and accusing the president of fueling division. However, conservatives argue Schumer’s criticism of Netanyahu and calls for a two-state solution empower Hamas terrorists. They point to Schumer’s refusal to shake Netanyahu’s hand during a 2024 congressional visit as evidence of misplaced priorities.
The clash highlights Trump’s strategy of framing Democrats as anti-Israel radicals ahead of the 2026 midterms. By labeling Schumer a “Palestinian,” Trump reinforces his message that conservative leadership is essential to protect Jewish communities and maintain America’s strong alliance with Israel. Supporters argue this blunt rhetoric exposes the left’s growing tolerance for antisemitic rhetoric masked as pro-Palestinian activism.
Critics warn Trump’s comments risk further inflaming domestic tensions over the Gaza conflict. But many conservatives counter that Schumer’s policies—not Trump’s words—are the real threat. They note Schumer’s recent opposition to Republican spending bills and his calls to restrict military aid to Israel unless Netanyahu changes course.
As the government funding deadline looms, Trump’s remarks remind voters of the high stakes in maintaining strong U.S.-Israel relations. Conservatives say America needs leaders who prioritize crushing Hamas terrorists over catering to progressive activists—a choice they argue Trump embodies and Schumer rejects.
