US President Donald Trump on Tuesday transformed the White House Hanukkah reception into a politically charged, campaign-style address, strongly defending Israel, condemning antisemitism, and highlighting what he described as his administration’s actions against Iran and Hamas, as an enthusiastic audience responded with chants, applause, and familiar campaign slogans.

Speaking in a packed East Room, Trump blended holiday remarks with policy assertions, political attacks, and personal commentary, underscoring his continued effort to position himself as a staunch ally of Israel and the Jewish community. At several moments during the speech, audience members shouted “Four more years” and “We love Trump,” prompting smiles and pauses from the president.

Trump began by condemning a recent antisemitic mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, which local authorities said was inspired by the Islamic State group. Offering condolences, he said the attack was “horrific” and explicitly described it as “anti-Semitic,” adding that his prayers were with the victims, their families, and the people of Australia.

Framing his presidency as uniquely supportive of Jewish Americans, Trump pledged unwavering backing. “As President of the United States, I will always support Jewish Americans, and I will always be a friend and a champion to the Jewish people,” he said, drawing sustained applause.

The president warned that antisemitism was on the rise in the United States, particularly in political discourse and on university campuses. He claimed that Jewish political influence in Washington had diminished over the years and accused some members of Congress of fostering antisemitic attitudes. Naming progressive lawmakers, Trump said, “You have a Congress in particular which is becoming antisemitic,” remarks that drew cheers from his supporters.

Turning to the Middle East, Trump revisited his administration’s approach to Israel and regional security, claiming credit for peace initiatives in the region. Referring to the Israel-Hamas conflict, he asserted that his policies had deterred militant groups. “We did peace in the Middle East, and we have a real peace,” he said, warning that Hamas would face “big trouble” if it escalated violence.

Trump also used the occasion to defend US military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, offering a detailed account of what he described as precision strikes by American forces. He reiterated that the facilities were “obliterated,” saying international and Iranian sources had confirmed the extent of the damage. Criticising media coverage of the operation, Trump singled out CNN and accused it of undermining US pilots and spreading misinformation.

Throughout the address, Trump leaned heavily on campaign-style rhetoric, reviving familiar phrases such as “fake news” and personal nicknames for political opponents. He joked about using prepared notes for the speech, telling the audience it was unusual for him to do so at a holiday event. “I’ve done so much for Israel that I have to read,” he quipped, prompting laughter.

Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and is observed by lighting the menorah over eight nights. The White House has long hosted Hanukkah receptions as a gesture of outreach to the American Jewish community, traditionally blending religious observance with symbolic political messaging.

This year’s event, however, stood out for its overtly political tone, reinforcing Trump’s campaign narrative while using the occasion to reaffirm his support for Israel amid heightened global concern over antisemitism.