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Home Jewish World

52% of US Jews view Trump as antisemitic

New data by left-leaning polling firm shows 61% think deportations of pro-Palestinian protesters actually made things worse on campuses.

by  ILH Staff and Miri Weissman
Published on  05-14-2025 01:00
Last modified: 05-14-2025 19:59
52% of US Jews view Trump as antisemiticChip Somodevilla/Getty Images/AFP

Jewish supporters of Republican presidential nominee, former US President Donald Trump attend an event titled "Fighting Antisemitism in America" at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill on September 19, 2024 in Washington, DC | Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/AFP

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A new survey published Tuesday paints a troubling picture of relations between the American Jewish community and President Donald Trump. Despite the president's repeated declarations about his commitment to fighting antisemitism, more than half of American Jews (52%) view Trump himself as an antisemitic figure.

The report, conducted by polling company GBAO Strategies, a left-leaning polling firm uncovers a significant disconnect between the administration's rhetoric and the feelings of American Jews. "The Jewish public isn't buying the president's statements," Jim Gerstein, founding partner of the polling company, explained. "The opposite is true – they see the steps taken by the administration under the banner of 'fighting antisemitism' as factors that actually intensify the problem."

"The survey of Jewish registered voters, conducted by the polling firm GBAO Strategies, found that 52% of respondents say the word 'antisemitic' describes the president very or somewhat well," the Jewish Telegraphic Agency reported

Campus policy failed

One of the Trump administration's most prominent initiatives in recent months was the widely publicized campaign against antisemitism on college campuses, which included slashing billions of dollars from university budgets and deporting foreign students who participated in pro-Palestinian demonstrations. However, these actions face pointed criticism from the Jewish community.

Nearly half of respondents (49%) assert that budget cuts to universities actually increased antisemitism. A substantial majority (61%) believe that deporting pro-Palestinian protesters worsened the situation, and only about a quarter of those surveyed think the administration's measures are actually helping to reduce antisemitism.

"Jewish communities feel more threatened than ever before," a source involved in the survey said. "77% are concerned about antisemitism on campuses and an even higher percentage is anxious about the situation in the US as a whole." According to the source, anxiety continues to grow precisely during Trump's tenure, who promised to protect the Jewish community.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee holds a note given to him from US President Donald Trump to be placed in the cracks of the Western Wall, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Friday, April 18, 2025 (Photo: AP/Leo Correa) AP

Strained relations with Israel

The survey also highlights significant shifts in American Jews' relationship with Israel and its leadership. A particularly concerning statistic is the decline in the sense of connection to Israel, from 82% before the Hamas attack in October 2023 to 69% today.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces particularly harsh criticism, with only a third (34%) of American Jews holding a positive opinion of him, while the majority (61%) view him negatively. Furthermore, 62% of respondents believe his decision to resume fighting in Gaza in March stemmed from personal political considerations rather than concern for national security.

Regarding the fate of the hostages, a worrying 72% of respondents believe that renewed military action in Gaza increases the risk to their lives, compared to only 28% who think the operation brings their release closer.

Broad support for criticism of Israel

The survey also challenges a prevalent myth, with 92% of American Jews believing it's possible to be "pro-Israel" while still criticizing government policy. This figure contradicts assertions recently made in Israel that criticism of Israeli policy is tantamount to being anti-Israel.

"The American Jewish public demonstrates complexity in its relationship with Israel," Gerstein explained. "On one hand, there is deep support for Israel's right to exist securely, and on the other hand, there is criticism of the current government's conduct, especially regarding the ongoing war in Gaza."

The survey, conducted between April 22 and May 1 among 800 Jewish voters across the US, is considered a representative sample with a margin of error of 3.5%. It was commissioned by the "Jewish Electorate Institute: Jewish Voter Preferences," a new non-partisan organization aimed at collecting and distributing data on American-Jewish community positions on political issues.

The survey findings emerge just two weeks after Trump completed his first 100 days in his current term, and represent a significant warning sign for an administration struggling to earn the trust of the Jewish community.

Tags: AntisemitismBDSDonald TrumpGaza War

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