Trump shuts down ‘repulsive’ question about antisemitism

Trump said he was “the least antisemitic person that you’ve ever seen in your entire life.”

By MICHAEL WILNER
Updated: FEBRUARY 17, 2017 03:11
US President Donald Trump gestures as he leaves the podium after a news conference at the White House in Washington, US, February 16, 2017. (photo credit: REUTERS)
US President Donald Trump gestures as he leaves the podium after a news conference at the White House in Washington, US, February 16, 2017.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
WASHINGTON – A Jewish reporter was told to sit down by US President Donald Trump after receiving a question on whether antisemitism nationwide was tied to his political rise.
At a press conference in the East Room, Trump said he was “the least antisemitic person that you’ve ever seen in your entire life.”
“I hate the charge, I find it repulsive,” the president said, questioning the reporter’s objectivity.
The reporter noted an historic spike in antisemitic rhetoric and attacks tracked by local authorities and the Anti-Defamation League, as well as a series of bomb threats against Jewish centers in recent weeks.
Trump has drawn support from the alt-right, a white nationalist political movement led by nativist and openly antisemitic figures.
He pointed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement of support on Wednesday at the White House, in which he said that Trump was a great friend to the Jewish people.