President Donald Trump turns a White House Hanukkah reception into a campaign-style speech, strongly defending Israel, condemning antisemitism, criticising political opponents, and revisiting US actions against Iran and Hamas amid loud support from attendees.
Former US President Donald Trump transformed a traditional White House Hanukkah reception into a high-energy, campaign-style address, using the occasion to strongly defend Israel, condemn antisemitism, and revisit his administration’s foreign policy actions in the Middle East. The event, held in the East Room, blended religious observance with overt political messaging, drawing loud applause, chants, and enthusiastic responses from a supportive audience.
Addressing a packed hall on Tuesday evening, Trump underscored what he described as his unwavering commitment to Israel and Jewish Americans. While Hanukkah receptions at the White House have long been symbolic gestures of outreach to the American Jewish community, Trump’s remarks went far beyond ceremonial observance, adopting the tone and themes familiar from his political rallies.
Throughout the speech, audience members repeatedly interrupted with chants of “Four more years” and “We love Trump,” prompting pauses, smiles, and acknowledgements from the former president. The atmosphere reflected a blend of celebration and political mobilisation, reinforcing Trump’s continued engagement with his core supporters.
Trump began his address by condemning a recent antisemitic mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia. According to Australian authorities, the attacker was inspired by the Islamic State group. Expressing solidarity, Trump said he was sending “love and prayers” to the people of Australia and to those affected by what he described as a “horrific and anti-Semitic terrorist attack.” He emphasised that antisemitism, in any form, must be confronted directly and without hesitation.
Positioning himself as a strong ally of Jewish Americans, Trump declared that he had always stood firmly with the Jewish community. He described himself as a “friend and a champion to the Jewish people,” framing his presidency as uniquely supportive of Israel and Jewish interests both domestically and internationally.
A significant portion of Trump’s speech focused on his claim that antisemitism is growing in the United States, particularly within political institutions and on college campuses. He argued that political dynamics in Washington had shifted over the years, alleging that support for Israel had weakened in certain quarters of Congress. Naming progressive lawmakers, he accused them of fostering rhetoric that, in his view, contributed to rising hostility toward Israel and Jewish Americans.
Turning to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Trump asserted that his administration had established what he described as “real peace” in the Middle East. He warned that militant groups such as Hamas would face severe consequences if they challenged regional stability. His remarks were framed as evidence of a hardline approach that he claimed deterred aggression and strengthened Israel’s security.
Trump also revisited US military actions against Iran’s nuclear programme, offering a detailed and forceful account of what he described as precision strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Defending his past statements, he insisted that the sites were “totally obliterated,” citing assessments he claimed were confirmed by international authorities and even by Iran itself. He portrayed the operation as a decisive demonstration of American military strength and resolve.
Media criticism featured prominently in Trump’s remarks. He sharply criticised news coverage of the Iran operation, singling out major networks and accusing them of undermining the achievements of US forces. Referring to American pilots involved in the mission, Trump said his comments were intended to defend their professionalism and bravery against what he called “fake news” narratives.
As the speech continued, Trump leaned heavily into familiar campaign rhetoric, reviving nicknames and phrases that have long been staples of his political persona. The crowd responded with laughter and applause as he joked about using prepared notes, remarking that he had “done so much for Israel” that he needed to read from a script for once.
Despite the overtly political tone, the religious significance of Hanukkah remained a backdrop to the event. Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and is observed by lighting the menorah over eight nights. The White House Hanukkah reception traditionally symbolises religious freedom, cultural recognition, and solidarity with the Jewish community.
Trump’s remarks highlighted how deeply intertwined religion, politics, and foreign policy have become in contemporary American public life. By turning a holiday celebration into a platform for political messaging, he reinforced his ongoing narrative of strong leadership, unyielding support for Israel, and confrontation with perceived enemies at home and abroad.
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The event underscored Trump’s ability to mobilise supporters even outside formal campaign settings, signalling that his political influence and rhetoric remain central to debates surrounding US foreign policy, antisemitism, and Middle East relations.
