Trump Denies Antisemitism Within MAGA Movement

In a recent two-hour conversation with The New York Times, President Donald Trump made it clear that he believes his MAGA movement does not harbor antisemitism. When asked about certain conservatives who have made antisemitic comments, he firmly rejected their place in the Republican Party.

“I think we don’t need them. I think we don’t like them,” Trump stated.

During the discussion, he emphasized his condemnation of antisemitism, referring to his strong support for Israel as evidence of his position. He mentioned his receipt of the Israel Prize—the highest honor from Israel—as a reflection of his dedication.

“Look, if you talk about the antisemitic views, there’s been nobody better for us. As an example, I just got the Israel award, which is the biggest award they give. It was just given to me. First time it was ever given to anybody outside of Israel,” he remarked.

He added, “I have been the best president of the United States in the history of this country toward Israel. And that’s, by the way, acknowledged by everybody, including the fact that we have peace in the Middle East, and that’s going to hold.”

Trump also pointed out that his daughter, Ivanka, and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, along with their three children, are Jewish.

“My daughter happens to be Jewish, beautiful, three grandchildren are Jewish,” he shared. “I’m very proud of them. I’m very proud of the whole, that whole family. I am the least antisemitic person probably there is anywhere in the world.”

Things heated up when Trump was asked to denounce Nick Fuentes, who has been labeled as a leading figure in White supremacy by the Anti Defamation League for his antisemitic views. Though Trump claimed not to know Fuentes, the interviewers reminded him of a 2022 dinner where they were all present with rapper Kanye West.

“I had dinner with him, one time, where he came as a guest of Kanye West. I didn’t know who he was bringing,” Trump explained. “He said, ‘Do you mind if I bring a friend?’ I said, ‘I don’t care.’ And it was Nick Fuentes? I don’t know Nick Fuentes.”

The Times also brought up Paul Ingrassia, an attorney Trump appointed as deputy general counsel of the General Services Administration, who faced backlash for text messages where he allegedly admitted a “Nazi streak.”

“I don’t know that. It’s possible. I have thousands of people working here … I am the least antisemitic person probably there is anywhere in the world,” Trump reiterated.

Beyond his comments, the Trump administration has taken steps to combat antisemitism on U.S. campuses. One major effort was the expansion of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which enabled the government to threaten to cut billions in federal funding to universities not addressing antisemitic harassment.

The administration also adopted a tough approach to campus unrest, moving to revoke visas and deport foreign exchange students engaged in anti-Israel activities or extremist ideologies.