Former President Donald Trump made bold claims about the fate of Israel and Jews in America if he loses the 2024 election while speaking via satellite to the Republican Jewish Coalition’s (RJC) annual conference in Las Vegas.
- “You’ll never survive if they get in,” Trump told the audience about his opponents.
- “You’re not going to have an Israel if she becomes president. Israel will no longer exist,” he said, referring to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Further Context: Trump was introduced by Jewish Billionaire Miriam Adelson. Adelson—a major Republican donor—has pledged $100 million to the 2024 Trump campaign.
- Adelson declared that he will “save the Jewish people.” before a short video highlighted Trump’s record as “the most pro-Israel president in US history,” who will “crack down on antisemitism.”
The big picture: The RJC gathering highlighted the GOP’s messaging to Jewish donors, focusing on:
- Strong support for Israel in their war on Gaza.
- Criticizing the Biden administration for attempting to halt weapon shipments to Israel.
- Combating antisemitism, particularly on college campuses.
Why it matters: Trump’s 2024 reelection bid has included numerous instances of Trump making open appeals to America’s Jewish community for their support.
- In early June, Trump told Fox New host Sean Hannity that if elected he would restore the Israel Lobby’s power over Congress if elected.
- Trump would reiterate this pledge to restore the Israel Lobby’s power over Congress at an event on fighting antisemitism held at his New Jersey golf course in mid August.