Trump says Schumer has ‘become like a Palestinian’
Former President Trump on Wednesday attacked Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) over his previous criticism of Israel’s handling of the war in Gaza, saying the top-ranking Jewish Democrat has “become like a Palestinian.”
Trump was asked during a Fox News interview with Sean Hannity about Israel’s war with Hamas. The former president and presumptive GOP nominee for November suggested Israel doesn’t have the same support it had years ago in Congress, citing criticism from the likes of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Schumer.
“They don’t have the backing. Even Schumer, he’s become like a Palestinian. Chuck Schumer. Jewish. Always strong for Israel. He’s become like a Palestinian,” Trump said.
“It’s a very bad thing. It’s a very sad thing, and it’s a very dangerous thing,” he added.
Schumer’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Schumer, in a March floor speech, argued Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu had “lost his way” and called for new elections in Israel amid its war with Hamas.
“As a lifelong supporter of Israel, it has become clear to me: The Netanyahu coalition no longer fits the needs of Israel after Oct. 7,” Schumer said at the time, referring to Hamas’s attack that killed more than 1,000 Israelis. “The world has changed — radically — since then, and the Israeli people are being stifled right now by a governing vision that is stuck in the past.”
Schumer’s remarks elicited backlash from Republicans in particular, some of whom argued it was inappropriate for the senator to call for elections and changes in leadership in another democratic government.
In the months since, Schumer has overseen the passage of legislation that provided billions in funding for Israel amid its ongoing war with Hamas.
Netanyahu has only faced mounting scrutiny since Schumer’s March speech, as thousands of Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including in high profile incidents that killed civilians and humanitarian workers. President Biden has previously suggested Netanyahu was hurting Israel more than he was helping, even as the White House has repeatedly said its support for Israel is “ironclad.”
Trump has also been critical of Netanyahu in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack, telling Time Magazine in an April interview that the prime minister “rightfully has been criticized for what took place.”
Trump has also previously questioned Jews who do not support Israel, and he suggested Jewish Americans who vote Democrat “should have their head examined.”
The former president told Hannity on Wednesday that Israel “has to finish the job” in its fight with Hamas.
“They have to finish it quickly. Strongly, and they have to get back to life again. Because it’s taking too long. They have to finish the job,” he said.
The White House last week unveiled a three-phase proposal that would lead to a long-lasting cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and allow for the rebuilding of Gaza, though Hamas has yet to accept the terms.