A prominent US Muslim civil rights organization has criticized Donald Trump for attempting to use the term “Palestinian” as a derogatory remark when he labeled Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as “not Jewish any more.”
“President Trump’s invocation of the term ‘Palestinian’ as an ethnic slur is not only offensive but also unworthy of his position,” remarked Nihad Awad, the national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
“He ought to apologize to both the Palestinian and American communities. This ongoing dehumanization of Palestinians has led to tragic hate crimes against Palestinian-Americans, the U.S.-enabled genocide in Gaza, and a longstanding denial of Palestinian rights by successive administrations.”
Trump aimed to insult Schumer during a press briefing in the Oval Office, while seated alongside the Irish Taoiseach, Micheál Martin.
“Schumer is a Palestinian,” Trump stated while delivering a rambling and disjointed critique of the Democrats in Congress, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict, and an impending government shutdown, which could be avoided if sufficient Democratic senators side with the Republicans controlling the chamber, placing Schumer in a precarious political situation.
“As far as I’m concerned, he’s turned into a Palestinian,” Trump remarked. “He used to be Jewish. He’s no longer Jewish. He’s a Palestinian.”
Trump has previously insulted Schumer with similar terminology, referring to him as a Palestinian and “a proud member of Hamas.” The former president has also frequently questioned why Jewish Americans would support Democrats, even as concerns about antisemitism among his aides, advisors, and supporters grow.
On Wednesday, Schumer did not provide an immediate response.
Halie Soifer, the CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA), expressed: “Donald Trump does not have the authority to define who is Jewish. Senator Schumer serves as the highest-ranking Jewish American official in the country, and the term ‘Palestinian’ should not be wielded as an insult.”
She added: “These remarks are not only abhorrent but also illuminating; it’s crucial to be forthright – Donald Trump is a vile antisemite, Islamophobe, and bigot, which is why most Jewish voters have not and will never support him.”
Amy Spitalnick, the chief executive of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, stated: “Once again, this administration’s aim is not to combat antisemitism or safeguard Israel. Instead, they seek to exploit antisemitism against their political adversaries, push a radical agenda, and undermine democracy – consequently making Jewish individuals less safe.”
During the Oval Office meeting, Martin was queried about whether, as the leader of one of the three European nations that recognize the state of Palestine – alongside Norway and Spain – he would “share your perspectives on Gaza with the president.”
“I don’t need to inform the president,” Martin replied. “He is already quite well-informed about the entire situation. We align with the president’s unwavering commitment to peace.”
When the same reporter inquired about Trump’s recent suggestion that Palestinians should be compelled to leave Gaza for U.S. redevelopment of the area, Trump interjected: “Nobody’s expelling any Palestinians,” and ridiculed the reporter for being associated with Voice of America, a federal government-run broadcasting network.
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