In a controversial radio interview on July 30 with WABC, former President Donald Trump launched a series of attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff.
Trump’s remarks, laden with antisemitic and anti-Black undertones, accused Harris of disliking Jewish people and Israel and disparaged Emhoff’s Jewish identity.
During the interview, Trump alleged that Harris felt uncomfortable during a meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating,
“You can see the disdain. No. 1, she doesn’t like Israel. No. 2, she doesn’t like Jewish people. You know it, I know it, and everybody knows it, and nobody wants to say it.”
The former president, who has previously faced criticism for dining with neo-Nazis, appeared to be attempting to sow division and rally his base with these remarks.
Trump’s comments were swiftly rebutted by the Harris campaign. J
ames Singer, a spokesperson for the campaign, condemned Trump’s divisive rhetoric, saying:
“America is better than the fear, hate, and despicable insults of Donald Trump. Vice President Harris believes Americans want a president who unites our country instead of divides it, uses the power of the presidency to help families instead of hurt them, and has a vision for our future instead of taking us backward.”
In addition to attacking Harris, Trump targeted Emhoff, who is Jewish, in the interview conducted by Sid Rosenberg.
Rosenberg, known for past controversial remarks, including calling tennis star Serena Williams an “animal,” initiated a disparaging conversation about Emhoff’s Jewish identity.
Trump concurred with Rosenberg’s derogatory characterization of Emhoff as a “crappy Jew.”
Though Emhoff did not issue a direct response regarding the latest comments, he has been vocal about Trump’s previous antisemitic remarks.
Emhoff has described Trump as a “known antisemite” and criticized his influence on American politics. On July 23, Emhoff responded to Trump’s criticisms of his wife, expressing disappointment and highlighting Harris’s clear and compelling vision for the country’s future.
Emhoff has been an active and supportive partner in Harris’s political journey. Former Harris staffer Rachel Palmero praised Emhoff’s role in the campaign, stating:
“Mr. Emhoff and Vice President Harris are true partners in every sense of the word. His support for the vice president fuels the fight for gender equity in a way that will shape future generations. The second gentleman is a significant asset to the campaign — which is why we are seeing him hitting the trail and galvanizing people across the country.”
As the 2024 election approaches, the discourse surrounding the candidates and their families continues to be a focal point, with Trump’s inflammatory remarks adding fuel to the already heated political climate.
