Trump Mobilizes Orthodox Support, Endorses Pro-Israel Candidates Before Elections

In a final push before Election Day, former U.S. President Donald Trump has ramped up his appeals to Orthodox Jewish voters, issuing a series of high-profile endorsements for pro-Israel candidates while sharply criticizing political figures with anti-Israel views.

Trump's most pointed rebuke was directed at Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee and frontrunner in New York City’s mayoral race, who has a record of anti-Israel rhetoric. “If communist candidate Zohran Mamdani wins,” Trump said, “it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing federal funds… to my beloved first home,” referring to New York City. He warned that the city under Mamdani would face decline, stating, “It can only get worse with a communist at the helm.”

He encouraged voters to support Andrew Cuomo, the former Democratic governor running as an independent, calling him a far better alternative. Trump also threw support behind Curtis Sliwa, a Republican known for founding the Guardian Angels, noting that even a vote for Sliwa would help prevent Mamdani from taking office.

Turning to national races, Trump praised Reps. Max Miller (R-Ohio) and David Kustoff (R-Tenn.), both of whom are Jewish and strong advocates for Israel. In contrast, he lambasted Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has criticized Israel, calling him “third rate” and a “Republican in name only” who “must be thrown out of office.”

A major focus of Trump’s message was on New Jersey, especially the heavily Orthodox town of Lakewood, where he urged strong turnout for Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican gubernatorial candidate. “I need all of my supporters in the Orthodox community in Lakewood… to vote in huge numbers,” Trump stated. “Jack will be a great governor, and has my complete and total endorsement.”

Trump emphasized the role Lakewood played in his own 2024 campaign, calling it one of his “biggest wins anywhere in the country.” He encouraged even yeshiva students to vote, asserting that their participation could help “save New Jersey.”

The effort appears to be mobilizing significant turnout. Scott Presler, founder of Early Vote Action, reported long lines at polling places in Lakewood. “A massive long line of members of the Jewish community are voting in Lakewood,” he posted online.

Jack Ciattarelli has also leaned into pro-Israel messaging, stating, “My support for the Jewish community and Israel is unwavering.” In response to criticism from opponents, he added, “New Jersey’s Jewish community doesn’t need lectures from Mamdani supporters… who didn’t even have the moral courage to stand with Israel.”

The Lakewood Vaad, an influential council of Orthodox rabbis, publicly endorsed Ciattarelli, adding weight to his campaign in a critical battleground district. With polling showing a tight race Democrat Mikie Sherrill leads by just 3.3 points—Trump’s push for turnout could prove decisive.

As political tensions rise and Israel remains a key issue for American voters, Trump’s endorsements signal a strong alliance with the Orthodox community and a clear stance against anti-Israel extremism on the ballot.

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