Trump’s Approval Craters Among American Jews Despite Hardline Antisemitism Push. Orthodox Jews remain a key base of support.
Donald Trump may champion himself as the strongest defender of Jewish interests in U.S. politics, but American Jews aren’t buying it. A damning new survey reveals that a whopping 72% of Jewish voters disapprove of his presidency, including 67% who strongly disapprove. And while Trump has made headlines cracking down on antisemitism, 56% of Jewish voters say his policies miss the mark.
The Jewish Electorate Institute’s poll, conducted by the Mellman Group, lays bare a deeper reality: American Jews — except for a vocal Orthodox minority — overwhelmingly distrust Trump’s motives and methods. The Orthodox community, representing about 10% of respondents, offered a stark contrast: over 70% support Trump, seeing his actions as pro-Israel and tough on antisemitism.
But Reform, Conservative, and unaffiliated Jews — the vast majority — are unimpressed. From freezing university funds to deporting foreign student activists, Trump’s “war on antisemitism” is seen by many as a political weapon rather than a genuine stand against hate.
His authoritarian leanings haven’t helped. More than 70% of American Jews oppose his controversial executive orders allowing deportations without court hearings, and most reject his sweeping tariffs and attacks on government institutions. The numbers suggest a Jewish electorate deeply alarmed not only by Trump’s rhetoric but by his policies across the board.
Notably absent from the poll were questions about Trump’s Middle East maneuverings — including his aggressive stance on Iran and radical proposals for Gaza. That silence may have spared him even lower marks, especially among younger Jews who disapprove of his handling of antisemitism by more than 50%.
In 2025, Trump faces a sobering reality: while Orthodox Jews remain his loyal base, he has alienated most of the broader Jewish community. His strategy may win applause in right-wing circles, but the numbers make clear — it’s not winning Jewish hearts.
