Josh Shapiro criticizes Trump for labeling him as an "overrated Jewish Governor."

Josh Shapiro criticizes Trump for labeling him as an "overrated Jewish Governor."
Josh Shapiro criticizes Trump for labeling him as an "overrated Jewish Governor."
  • Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro accused Donald Trump of spreading antisemitism after the Republican presidential candidate referred to him as a "highly overrated Jewish Governor."
  • Trump criticized the swing-state governor for supporting Vice President Harris, despite Trump's claim that she is hostile towards Israel.
  • The White House stated that it is harmful, dangerous, and antisemitic to insult a fellow American's Jewish faith in a derogatory manner.

On Thursday, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro accused Donald Trump of spreading antisemitism after the Republican presidential candidate referred to him as a "highly overrated Jewish Governor."

According to Shapiro, it is evident that Trump is fixated on him and continues to spread hatred and division in politics.

Shapiro, a Democrat leading a competitive swing state in the presidential contest, stated that he is someone who frequently promotes antisemitic ideas like this.

Trump's post, sent after midnight Thursday, criticized the governor for supporting Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, despite Trump's claim that she "dislikes Israel."

"Josh Shapiro, the highly overrated Jewish Governor of Pennsylvania, gave a poorly delivered speech at the Democratic National Convention, where he spoke about freedom and supporting Kamala Harris for President," he said.

Trump falsely accused Harris of wishing for Israel's failure and boasted about being the best friend to Israel and the Jewish people.

Trump stated that Shapiro has not contributed anything to Israel and will never do so.

The White House on Thursday morning blasted Trump over the post.

White House spokesman Herbie Ziskend stated that attacking a fellow American's Jewish faith in a derogatory way and perpetuating the centuries-old smear of 'dual loyalty' is both antisemitic, dangerous, and hurtful.

Ziskend stated that President Biden and Vice President Harris believe it is crucial for Americans to unite and condemn and combat Antisemitism, as well as all forms of hate and bigotry.

Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung stated that Trump's critics lack knowledge about the matter.

Cheung stated that Kamala Harris uses both sides of her mouth to please Hamas supporters while Democrats have encouraged antisemitic demonstrations on college campuses.

Cheung emphasized Trump's support for Israel and highlighted his administration's achievements in the Middle East, such as brokering a diplomatic agreement between Israel and Arab states, relocating the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and assassinating Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani.

CNBC did not receive an immediate response from the Harris campaign regarding Trump's post.

Trump's post faced criticism as a political blunder that could alienate crucial voters in a pivotal swing state.

Philip Klein, editor of the conservative National Review Online, wrote that if Trump's goal was to turn off every Jewish voter who had been disillusioned by the Democrats but was still uncertain about voting for him, this was an excellent post.

As governor, Shapiro, a rising star in the Democratic party, has consistently received high approval ratings. Despite being considered a top contender to be Harris' running mate, Harris ultimately selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her VP pick.

Trump has asserted on the campaign trail that Harris, who is married to a Jewish man, "is not fond of Jewish people."

He previously stated that any Jewish individual who backed then-presidential candidate Biden did not love Israel and, frankly, should be addressed.

Trump has consistently asserted that the October 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas would not have occurred if he had been in office at the time.

In his speech at the DNC, Shapiro said that his message was the "polar opposite of what Donald Trump is discussing."

He stated, "I'm discussing authentic freedom, uniting individuals, valuing diversity regardless of appearance, origin, sexual orientation, religion, and declaring this a welcoming environment."

"This contradicts everything that Donald Trump stands for, and it's evident that he will remain the hateful and divisive individual he has always been throughout the campaign."

He added, "Given his track record, it's evident he's positioning himself for another loss."

by Kevin Breuninger

Politics