President Trump recently took aim at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, calling him “not Jewish anymore,” following Schumer’s growing criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin in the Oval Office, Trump made his statement, asserting that Schumer, who represents Brooklyn, had effectively transformed from a staunch Jewish supporter of Israel to someone who, in Trump’s view, had become a “Palestinian.” This comment came on the heels of Trump’s broader criticism of Democratic lawmakers, especially those who have become more vocal in their opposition to Israel.
Schumer, a long-time advocate for Israel, was deeply involved in supporting the Jewish state after the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, which claimed nearly 1,200 lives. He visited Israel, met with officials, and pledged to provide Israel with the support and weapons it needed. Schumer even condemned anti-Israel protests that followed the attacks, and in November, he delivered a passionate speech on the Senate floor denouncing the pro-Hamas rhetoric that had emerged during rallies against Israel’s military response in Gaza.
However, Schumer’s stance began to shift over time. In March 2024, he sharply criticized Netanyahu’s government for pursuing policies he viewed as reckless, going so far as to call for new elections in Israel. Schumer’s comments reflected growing frustration with Netanyahu’s leadership, which he felt was damaging to U.S.-Israel relations.
Trump’s remarks highlight the growing divide within American politics over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Schumer once stood as one of Israel’s strongest allies, his recent rhetoric has raised questions about his loyalty to Israel’s cause. For conservatives, Trump’s blunt assessment of Schumer resonates as a warning against Democratic lawmakers who seem increasingly hostile to the Jewish state.