Trump Criticizes jewish Supporters of representative Jamaal Bowman‘s Opponent
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump reportedly disparaged Jewish Americans who support Laurentino “Larry” Piro, the Republican challenging Representative Jamaal Bowman in New York’s 16th congressional district, calling them “stupid” at a private fundraiser, according to a report by Rolling Stone on Friday. The remarks, made during a gathering at Mar-a-Lago, have drawn swift condemnation from Jewish advocacy groups and renewed scrutiny of Trump’s rhetoric toward Jewish communities.
The incident underscores a pattern of Trump making controversial statements about Jewish people, raising concerns about antisemitism within his political base and the broader republican party. The outcome of the bowman-Piro race is closely watched as a bellwether of progressive strength in a district that includes parts of the Bronx and Westchester county. Trump’s intervention, even through private remarks, could significantly influence voter turnout and possibly impact the balance of power in the House of representatives.
Rolling Stone reported that Trump questioned why Jewish individuals would support Piro,a conservative Italian-American,and used the derogatory term to describe their political choices.He reportedly suggested they were disloyal to Israel.A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The American Jewish Commitee (AJC) released a statement calling Trump’s reported comments “deeply disturbing” and “unacceptable.” The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) also condemned the remarks, stating they ”play into dangerous tropes about Jewish disloyalty.”
piro, a veteran and educator, has campaigned on a platform of fiscal conservatism and opposition to progressive policies. Bowman,a vocal progressive and member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus,is seeking re-election after serving two terms. The race is expected to be competitive, with both candidates actively fundraising and campaigning throughout the district.
Gram Slattery is a White House correspondent in Washington, focusing on national security, intelligence and foreign affairs. He was previously a national political correspondent, covering the 2024 presidential campaign. From 2015 to 2022, he held postings in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo and Santiago, Chile, and he has reported extensively throughout Latin America.
