Gov. Shapiro Accuses Trump of Antisemitism After Social Media Posts

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has publicly condemned former President Donald Trump for his recent comments, which Shapiro claims promote "antisemitic tropes." Trump referred to Shapiro as a "highly overrated Jewish governor" in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, shortly after midnight on Thursday. This remark followed Shapiro's address at the Democratic National Convention earlier that day, where he criticized Trump for fostering hate and division in politics. In response to Trump's comments, Shapiro expressed concern over the former president's fixation on him, stating, "I think it's clear over the last few weeks, Donald Trump is obsessed with me." He emphasized that such rhetoric is harmful and perpetuates antisemitism, a sentiment echoed by local Jewish leaders. Rabbi Beth Janus, co-president of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Philadelphia, voiced her fears, stating that Trump's language could incite further antisemitic sentiments and create a dangerous precedent by distinguishing Jewish governors from others. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, also criticized Trump’s remarks on social media, questioning the necessity of highlighting Shapiro's Jewish identity. He argued that the focus of the election should be on policy issues rather than identity politics, urging for a campaign that fosters constructive debate rather than invoking prejudices. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the implications of political rhetoric on societal attitudes towards antisemitism.