Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff has slammed former President Trump's recent remarks about Jewish Americans, branding them "antisemitic" and "dangerous."
Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman of the United States, has vehemently denounced former President Donald Trump's rhetoric against Jewish Americans, labeling it "antisemitic" and "putting a target on the backs of Jewish Americans."
In a preview for an interview airing on MSNBC on Sunday, Emhoff expressed his deep concern over Trump's recent comments at a Jewish event in Washington. Trump warned Jewish American voters against supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, Emhoff's wife, in the upcoming election.
Doug Emhoff Condemns Trump's Antisemitic Rhetoric
"What really bothered me a week or so ago was when Trump got up at an event, an event purporting to fight antisemitism, and he said vile antisemitic things," Emhoff told MSNBC host Jen Psaki. "Tropes that are just terrible. We have to speak out every single time when something like that happens."
Psaki pressed Emhoff on whether he believed Trump was "putting a target on the backs of Jewish Americans" with his rhetoric. Emhoff responded affirmatively, saying, "He is. I mean, take him at his word."
Doug Emhoff Condemns Trump's Antisemitic Rhetoric
"When you hear him say things like that, and he said that if he doesn’t win it will be essentially the fault of Jewish Americans," Psaki said.
"Blame the Jews. One of the oldest tropes," Emhoff lamented.
Doug Emhoff Condemns Trump's Antisemitic Rhetoric
Emhoff emphasized that it was not just Jewish people who should be outraged by Trump's comments but all Americans. He called for a collective fight against "antisemitism and hate."
"This is a disgusting trope. The so-called dual loyalties. It is an outrage and it is not just Jewish people who should be outraged," the second gentleman said.
Psaki asked Emhoff directly if he considered Trump's words antisemitic.
"Of course it is, and I said that publicly," Emhoff replied. "Definitely."
Emhoff's comments come on the heels of Trump's controversial remarks at the Israeli-American Council National Summit last week. Trump warned Jewish voters that Israel would "cease to exist" in two years if Harris won the November election.
Trump has faced widespread criticism for his remarks, including from Jewish organizations and leaders from both parties. Emhoff's condemnation adds further weight to the chorus of voices speaking out against Trump's dangerous rhetoric.
Trump's campaign has defended his remarks, claiming that they were not antisemitic and that he has a strong record of supporting Israel and Jewish Americans. However, Emhoff's comments highlight the growing concern among Jewish Americans and others about Trump's rhetoric and its potential consequences.
