Jewish senators accuse Trump of exploiting antisemitism to target universities

Five Jewish Democratic senators have sent a strongly worded letter to Donald Trump condemning his administration’s “assault on universities” and questioning whether actions taken against higher education institutions are truly aimed at combating antisemitism. Some Jewish advocacy leaders welcomed the senators’ intervention. “It’s good news that these senators are standing up to the hypocrisy of this White House,” said Hadar Susskind, president and CEO of New Jewish Narrative. Twelve national Jewish organizations, including J Street and T’ruah, condemned the Trump administration’s detention of Khalil in March, warning that using antisemitism as justification for suppressing political dissent threatens both Jewish safety and democracy. “We need to see more such efforts, otherwise the costs – in terms of free speech and the safety of Jews – will only mushroom.”