Mark Levin Praises Trump as “First Jewish President” During White House Hanukkah Reception
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Conservative commentator and Fox News host Mark Levin publicly praised President Donald Trump during the White House’s annual Hanukkah reception on Tuesday, describing him as the “first Jewish president” and applauding his support for Israel.
The moment came as President Trump invited Levin to say a few words before a crowd gathered in the East Room to celebrate the Jewish holiday. As the two stood together, Levin placed his arm around the president and highlighted Trump’s record on Israel.
“Six years ago, I stood here and said this was our first Jewish president,” Levin said. “Now he’s the first Jewish president to serve two non-consecutive terms. We thank you for everything.”
Trump responded warmly, telling the audience that those in attendance “do like Israel,” to which Levin added, “And he loves Israel too.”
Trump and Levin Share Lighthearted Exchange
During the exchange, President Trump referenced controversy surrounding his earlier term, remarking, “Bad things happened on the second one — namely, the election was rigged.” Levin quickly interjected with praise, calling Trump “the greatest president” and offering his blessing.
The president later thanked Levin and his wife, Julie Strauss Levin, personally, calling them “amazing” and expressing appreciation for their presence at the event.
A Familiar Claim From Levin
Levin has made similar remarks in the past. In 2019, he referred to Trump as the “first Jewish president,” saying at the time that if Trump did not officially hold that title, “he should be.”
Despite his vocal support, Levin has not always aligned fully with the Trump administration. Over the past year, he has occasionally criticized White House policies, at one point writing that there were “echoes of Biden” in the administration.
Trump Opens Hanukkah Event With Message to Australia
The Hanukkah reception also carried a somber tone as President Trump opened the evening by sending “love and prayers” to the people of Australia following a deadly shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
Speaking from the East Room, Trump paid tribute to the victims of the attack, which left 15 people dead and 25 injured, describing it as a “horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack.”
“We’re joined in mourning all of those who were killed,” Trump said, adding that the nation was praying for the recovery of those wounded, some of whom he described as “very horrifically injured.”
Australian authorities later confirmed that the suspects in the attack were a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The father was fatally shot, while the son was hospitalized.