The Colorado Springs Gazette editorial: Is Trump anti-Semite or friend of the Jewish people?
President Donald Trump may be anti-Semitic, say a litany of journalists and social media pundits. If he’s not anti-Semitic, they charge, he actively sought support of anti- Semites during his campaign. If not that, he is somehow responsible for every troll who sends anti-Jewish hate mail.
Wednesday, their claims met a formidable challenge.
“There is no greater supporter of the Jewish people and the Jewish state than President Donald Trump,” said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after the two men met in Washington.
The social media reaction was swift and astonishingly defensive. Trump critics responded directly to Netanyahu’s statement by doubling down on claims the president is anti-Semitic, or at least in the business of attracting anti-Semitic support.