Article

Trump’s Exploitation of Antisemitism

July 22, 2025

Donald Trump and his allies want you to believe they’re fighting antisemitism. But when you look closely at the plan dubbed Project Esther, drafted by the Heritage Foundation (the organization behind Project 2025), you will find it isn’t about Jewish security or safety at all. Antisemitism is the pretext, but in reality, Project Esther is a blueprint for deporting foreigners and systematically attacking higher education. And it’s now being implemented by the Trump White House.

Project Esther was created without consulting a single major Jewish organization, and it contains criticism of the vast majority of liberal American Jews. Unsurprisingly, no mainstream Jewish group has endorsed it. It has led to deportations and the cutting of funding for research and higher education. You can learn more about Project Esther on The Daily’s “Project 2025’s Other Project.”

While we do not agree with those who orchestrated and participated in anti-Israel protests on campus, they are entitled to due process before being stripped of their freedom, visas, and rights. In fact, the overwhelming majority of Jews believe deporting pro-Palestinian activists will make antisemitism worse, not better.

Since taking office, Trump has made Jews less safe by:

  • Hiring and promoting people with histories of antisemitism, white supremacy, and Christian nationalism to key positions.

  • Freezing the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which helps keep synagogues, day schools, and Jewish community centers safe from attacks.

  • Canceling funding for efforts to avert hate crimes against Jewish Americans.

  • Cutting funding for agencies that work to prevent antisemitism, including on college campuses.

  • Ending DHS programs designed to thwart lone-wolf terrorist attacks like those carried out at the Capitol Jewish Museum and in Boulder, Colorado.

At JDCA, we know that antisemitism is real and dangerous, and we call it out regardless of where it originates. But we also recognize when our community and the rise of antisemitism are being exploited, and we call on you to join us in speaking out against cynical efforts like Project Esther.

Together, we must reject authoritarianism disguised as protection and defend democracy and justice, which truly keeps our communities safe.

Thank you for being in this fight with us.

In solidarity,

Sam Crystal
Chief of Staff, Jewish Democratic Council of America