The Complex Landscape of Jewish Support for Donald Trump
The issue of Jewish support for former President Donald Trump has long been a point of interest and controversy within the American political landscape. This article explores the multifaceted nature of Jewish support for Trump, examining different demographics and viewpoints within the Jewish community, and discussing the current state of Jewish political affiliation.
Division Within the Jewish Community
Though there is a strong and almost total support from Jewish Republicans and some Israeli Jews, the general sentiment within the American Jewish community is far from unanimous. In fact, many American liberal Jews vociferously oppose Trump, leading to a significant divide.
Support Among American Jewish Voters
According to available data, a mere 25% of American Jewish voters supported Trump, forming a small but notable faction within the community. This support is largely attributed to major donors like Sheldon Adelson, who have financially backed Trump through his campaign contributions.
Pro-Israel Actions and Support
Notwithstanding the initial lack of support, many American Jews have strongly backed Trump’s subsequent pro-Israel actions, even if they did not originally support him. There is also a Republican Jewish PAC that supports Trump, further cementing his standing among certain segments of the community.
Why Is Trump’s Support Among Jews Limited?
Despite the efforts and support from various pro-Trump Jewish groups, it is highly unlikely that Trump would garner 50% of Jewish votes. There are several reasons for this limited support:
Many American Jews are longstanding Democrats due to historical and generational ties to the party.
Many disagree with Trump's ideological stances and specific actions.
There are also reservations about Trump's leadership qualities, as expressed by many within the community, including the author of this article.
Distinguishing Practicing Jews from Ethnically Identified Jews
The support for Trump varies significantly based on whether the individual is identified more by their religious affiliation or by their ethnic background. Religious Jews tend to be more supportive, while ethnically identified Jews generally oppose him.
Trump’s Latest Claims and Their Impact
Recent efforts by Trump regarding his false claims about American Jewish disloyalty to Israel have not garnered him any new supporters within the Jewish community. In fact, these statements likely cost him even more votes from the Jewish population, especially given that over 70% of American Jewish voters backed Hillary Clinton in 2016 and that close to 80% supported Democrats in the 2018 mid-term elections.
Current State of Jewish Political Affiliation
Historically, the Jewish vote has leaned Democratic, with an average of 77% voting for Democrats. In the last election, this number rose to 79%. This trend indicates a strong opposition to Trump’s policies and rhetoric within the Jewish community. Furthermore, Trump’s latest 'efforts' have likely shifted the Jewish vote even further towards the Democratic party in the upcoming 2020 elections.
These patterns and trends highlight a complex and evolving landscape within the Jewish community, where traditional political leanings and personal opinions on specific issues often play a decisive role in shaping public support for political figures.