• Mark Levin embraces Trump at East Room reception, declares him greatest president
  • Conservative commentator first made controversial statement during 2019 White House Hanukkah party
  • Event held days after deadly Bondi Beach attack targeting Jewish Hanukkah celebration

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — Fox News host Mark Levin praised President Donald Trump as "the first Jewish president" during Tuesday's White House Hanukkah reception, repeating a controversial characterization he first made during Trump's first term. Speaking to supporters gathered in the East Room, Trump invited Levin to address the crowd after noting the conservative commentator's weekend television show frequently praises his leadership. Levin's wife Julie Strauss kissed Trump on the cheek before Levin embraced the president and shouted, "And he loves Israel too!" to which Trump responded, "It's true."

Repeating Six-Year-Old Declaration

The Life, Liberty & Levin host referenced his original statement from December 2019, telling the audience he previously declared Trump "our first Jewish president" at a White House Hanukkah event six years ago. Levin expanded on the characterization Tuesday, stating Trump now represents "the first Jewish president to serve two non-consecutive presidencies" following his 2024 election victory. Trump acknowledged the comments as accurate both times, replying "It's true" and "That's true" during the Tuesday evening reception.

"Six years ago, I was up here, and I said this is our first Jewish president. Now he's the first Jewish president to serve two non-consecutive presidencies. We thank you for everything."

Religious Identity Questions Persist

Trump is not Jewish, though his daughter Ivanka Trump converted to Judaism after marrying Jared Kushner. The president has described his religious affiliation variously as Presbyterian and Protestant in 2016, later identifying as a nondenominational Christian in 2020. No Jewish president has served in U.S. history, though Senators Bernie Sanders and Michael Bloomberg ran prominent Democratic presidential campaigns as Jewish candidates.

Pro-Israel Policy Record Referenced

Levin's characterization stems from Trump's extensive pro-Israel policy decisions during his first administration, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, moving the U.S. embassy there, and acknowledging Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. At Tuesday's reception, Trump claimed he "sold the rights to the Golan Heights to Israel" and suggested the territory "could be worth trillions of dollars." The president also signed a December 2019 executive order defining Jewish people as an ethnic group rather than solely a religious one, aimed at combating anti-Semitism on college campuses.

Event Follows Australian Terror Attack

The White House reception occurred three days after gunmen killed at least 15 people during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach. Trump addressed the attack during the ceremony, calling it a "horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack" and sending "love and prayers to the people of Australia." The president previously urged American Jews celebrating Hanukkah to "celebrate proudly" and not let fear hinder their observance following the Australian massacre.

Mixed Social Media Response

The exchange between Levin and Trump generated divided reactions on social media platforms, with critics questioning Trump's prioritization of foreign policy interests. Conservative supporters praised the president's unwavering support for Israel and the Jewish community, while detractors raised concerns about dual loyalty implications.

Will Levin's repeated characterization of Trump as America's "first Jewish president" resonate with voters beyond the conservative base during the 2026 midterm campaign?

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