Why Donald Trump is being called 'first Jewish president' despite being Christian
People have been left confused over Donald Trump's religion after he was referred to as the 'first Jewish president' by talk show host Mark Levin.
The US president, 79, issued a speech during a Hanukkah event at the White House on Tuesday (December 16).
He opened the remarks by sending 'love and prayers' to the people of Australia following an antisemitic terrorist attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that unfolded on Sunday (14 December).
The shooting left 15 people dead and 40 injured, while 17 remain in hospital.
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Speaking from the East Room, he said: "Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack."
The president continued: "We're joined in mourning all of those who were killed, and we're praying for the swift recovery of the wounded, some are very horrifically wounded.
He also said that as US president, he will 'always support Jewish Americans' and be a 'friend and a champion of the Jewish people'.
However, the confusion comes in when American broadcaster Mark Levin was invited up on stage to say a few words.
“Come here. And these people do like Israel,” Trump said, as Levin’s wife kissed the US president on the cheek.
Levin then embraced Trump before shouting out: "And he loves Israel too!"
Before adding: "Six years ago, I was up here, and I said this is our first Jewish president," to which the crowd applauded and Trump responded: "It’s true."
The TV host continued: "Now he’s the first Jewish president to serve two non-consecutive presidencies. We thank you for everything.”
This isn't the first time Levin has given Trump this title, as he declared back in 2019: “It’s an honor to be here with the first Jewish President of the United States. And if he isn’t, he should be.
"I want to thank you for everything you have done for the Jewish people. I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for the Jewish people’s ancestral homeland.
"You are going to be remembered there for a thousand years.”
Understandably, all of this has caused a bit of confusion over Trump's religion, with social media users questioning whether he's actually Jewish.
Trump was raised as a Presbyterian Christian, although he has said more recently that he is a non-denominational Christian.
However Trump's daughter, Ivanka, did convert to orthodox Judaism in 2009 before marrying Jared Kushner.
In a 2015 Vogue interview, she said: “It’s been such a great life decision for me. I am very modern, but I’m also a very traditional person, and I think that’s an interesting juxtaposition in how I was raised as well.
"I really find that with Judaism, it creates an amazing blueprint for family connectivity."
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, News, US News
Madison Burgess