Former President Donald Trump reaffirmed his unwavering support for Jewish Americans on Thursday, vowing to be their “best friend” in the White House. This declaration came just hours after a CNN report accused his political ally, North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, of making antisemitic remarks, including referring to himself as a “black NAZI” and expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler in a 2012 online post.
Despite these allegations, Robinson pledged to remain in the gubernatorial race, which could complicate Trump’s campaign. Robinson has been regarded as a rising star within the Republican Party, but his controversial history regarding race, gender, and abortion continues to provoke debate within the GOP, particularly as the party approaches the 2024 presidential election.
At events targeting Jewish donors and the Israeli-American Council in Washington, D.C., Trump did not directly address the controversy surrounding Robinson but emphasized his stance against antisemitism. “My promise to Jewish Americans is this: With your vote, I will be your defender, your protector, and I will be the best friend Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House,” Trump stated, adding, “In all fairness, I already am.”
While the Trump campaign issued a statement following the CNN report, it avoided mentioning Robinson by name, focusing instead on winning the White House and emphasizing North Carolina’s significance in Trump’s strategy for reclaiming the presidency.
Concerns about Robinson’s remarks have arisen among Republicans regarding their potential impact on Trump’s campaign in North Carolina, a state Trump won in both 2016 and 2020. Republican pollster Paul Shumaker warned that the controversy could harm Trump’s electoral prospects, noting, “The question is going to be, does Mark Robinson cost Donald Trump the White House?”
Despite trailing Democratic opponent Josh Stein by approximately 10 points in public polls, Robinson has not retreated from the race. The North Carolina Republican Party has backed Robinson, stating he “categorically denied the allegations” made by CNN.
During his address to Jewish donors, Trump highlighted his administration’s past support for Israel, pointing to significant policy decisions such as moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognizing Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly targeting Vice President Kamala Harris for what he described as a lack of action to protect Israel.
As Trump consolidates support among Jewish voters, Harris faces criticism from progressive factions within the Democratic Party regarding the administration’s approach to the Israel-Hamas war. The protest group “Uncommitted,” opposing U.S. arms transfers to Israel, announced it would not endorse Harris, potentially impacting her support among key Democratic voters.
With North Carolina being a critical battleground in the upcoming election, both Trump and Harris are expected to invest considerable time and resources campaigning in the state. The outcome of the gubernatorial race and Trump’s efforts to maintain Jewish American support will be crucial as the political landscape shifts heading into November.
