Trump pledges friendship with Jewish people at White House Hanukkah event

U.S. President Donald Trump pledged friendship with the Jewish people and expressed his love during a White House Hanukkah celebration on Tuesday.

“As president of the United States, I will always support Jewish Americans, and I will always be a friend and a champion to the Jewish people,” Trump said.

“We love you, and we love Israel,” the president added.

Trump addressed the recent Islamist massacre of 15 Jews during a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia. 

“Let me take a moment to send love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack,” Trump stated.

“We’ve joined in mourning all of those who were killed, and we’re praying for the swift recovery of the wounded. Some are very horrifically wounded, as you probably know. All nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism,” the president continued.

Trump also addressed Holocaust denial and contemporary antisemitic conspiracy theories, including those that deny Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre and attacks against Jews in Australia.

“Well, October 7 is not many years [ago] at all, [nor is Australia]. And you have people that deny October [7]. I saw tape [of October 7 footage]. Actually, I wish I never saw it. As president, I got to see things I wish I never saw, but there’s no denying it,” Trump emphasized.

The president made parallels between contemporary Jew hatred and the Hanukkah story 2,000 years ago in Jerusalem when the “oppressive tyrant – and they were really oppressive – tried [to destroy the Jewish people]."

“By the way, a lot of things don’t change so much. They’d be oppressive today if you didn’t have strength,” Trump assessed, likely referring to the Jewish state’s military strength and success against Iran and its terrorist proxies Hezbollah and Hamas. 

He praised the resilience of the Jewish people amid many persecutions throughout history. 

“For thousands of years, the miracle of Hanukkah has reminded us of God’s love for the Jewish people, as well as their enduring resilience and faith in the face of centuries of persecution. Centuries, and it continues. It continues. Who would believe this could continue?”

Trump concluded his speech by stressing that the Hanukkah story symbolizes a light of hope in the evil darkness. 

“The story of Hanukkah reminds us that light will always prevail over darkness and faith and triumph over fear. Together, let us honor the eternal flame and the faith that has always protected the Jewish people. You are protected. You are special, special people. I want to wish you all a happy Hanukkah,” the president said.

Many Israelis and conservative Jewish Americans have praised Trump for his largely pro-Israel policies including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory and backing the Jewish state’s right to defend itself against genocidal enemies. 

However, Jewish Americans who overwhelmingly vote for the Democrat Party have often had a strained relationship with Trump despite his support for Israel. Following his election victory in November 2024, Trump did not even mention Jewish Americans during his victory speech.