Donald Trump 2.0: Darren Klugman on What Trump’s Second Term Means for American Jews

On January 20^, 2025 Donald J. Trump will be inaugurated as the 47^th president of the United States of America.  The current time in American politics is one of the most divided times in the history of our country.  The election for the 47^th president of the United States was an election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump who was elected as the 45^th president of the United States without any political experience.  Kamala Harris spent much of her life in politics after beginning her career as the San Francisco District Attorney before being elected as senate representative from California and then Vice President.  His first term as president has been scrutinized by many people, none more than the Jews in the United States.  As the Jewish community in the United States prepares President Trump’s second term, Dr. Darren Klugman provides insight into what American Jews should expect. 

As a Jew, how do you feel about President Trump’s second term in office?

Darren Klugman: The second presidential term for Donald Trump is one that has been discussed by every Jew in America.  Everyone has strong opinions about how the 47^th president will impact Jews.  As we approach January 20^th, there is a lot of anticipation and it will be very important for everyone, and particularly Jews, to approach this term with an open mind and expectations for a successful 4 years.

What should Jews expect for Trump’s presidency?

Darren Klugman: Jews in America should expect a very pro-Israel president who is also committed to fighting antisemitism within the United States.  Emotions often get in the way of objectivity when evaluating what to expect from Trump’s second term.  Dr. Klugman stresses the importance of assessing this term based on what happened during Trump’s first term.  During President Trump’s first term, Trump had a number of notable pro-Israel accomplishments: the Israeli embassy was moved to Jerusalem (the only republican or democratic president will to do so), the signing of the Abraham Accords establishing regional peace between Israel other Arab countries in the Middle East, Trump issued strong sanctions against Iran which significantly limited their nuclear capabilities and enhanced Israeli security, and Trump passed the Taylor Force act to stop US payments to the Palestinian Authority until the cessation of the “pay for slay” policy.  These accomplishments are significant and provided important security for Israel.  As Israel continues to deal with the aftermath of October 7, 2023 and a multi-front war, Jews and Israel should expect a very supportive Donald Trump.

In the United States, Jews are facing more antisemitism than at any time since the 1940’s.  There has been an explosion of antisemitism on college campuses and across many other institutions.  Despite some effort, antisemitism continues. President Trump has promised significant sanctions for antisemitic universities including the reduction in government funding.  A stronger approach to the widespread antisemitism in the United States is overdue.

Reflections on Trump’s relationship with Israel

As mentioned, Donald Trump has been very pro-Israel to this point in his political career.  Politics can be messy and there is a lot of information on the internet which expresses strong views on Trump’s relationship with Israel.  In light of this environment, Trump’s relationship with Israel must be judged fairly.  As Dr. Klugman highlighted above, objective history reflects a president who is very pro-Israel.

What policies would be helpful to US Jews and US-Israel relations?

Darren Klugman: When President Donald Trump begins his second term, there will be 2 issues which should be the focus of his work relating to US Jews and US-Israel relations: addressing the rise in antisemitism in the US and supporting Israel in its war with the Iranian terror axis.  Strong government sanctions and new laws fighting antisemitism on college campuses must be a focus.  The US can significantly aid Israel and stabilize the middle east by tough policies and sanctions on Iran and complete support of Israel with military aid and additional support as needed.

What role can Jews play in American politics?

As Dr. Klugman reflects on the role of Jews in politics, there are multiple opportunities to be engaged. Jews must remain active, engaged and proud. While the environment in the United States feels very antisemitic and, in many ways, uncomfortable for Jews, the response must not be silence or fear – that is the goal of antisemites – to make Jews fearful. Jews must remain actively involved in Jewish and Israel advocacy groups and with groups that shape policy and ensure inclusion of Jews in the establishment of policies and laws which protect and advocate for Jews.  One of the most effective ways to be influential in American politics is for Jews to vote on the local level for politicians who are pro-Israel and have a track record of supporting Jews and implementing pro-Israel policy.  Local government is important and must not be disregarded.

What can Donald Trump do to improve healthcare and pediatrics in America?

Darren Klugman: The US healthcare system is at a precipice with a shortage of physicians and rising costs.  While many people have been focusing on the leaders appointed to the FDA, CDC and HHS, there needs to be policy change. Medical students incur tremendous debt to attend medical school and ultimately practice medicine.  Pediatric subspecialty training programs are suffering because of the discrepancy in salary for pediatricians compared to adult providers and adult subspecialties which has resulted in a significant drop in trainees pursuing pediatric subspecialties.  Policy changes need to change this equation with subsidies for medical training, reduction in duration of medical training (combining medical school and undergraduate schooling, reducing the duration of fellowship training, etc) and improved salaries for pediatricians.  Tackling these issues will also improve access to pediatric care which is an important way to improve overall health of children.

As Donald Trump prepares for his second term, the fate of Jews in the United States is an important issue he will be faced with, and Dr. Klugman has outlined ways in which Israel and Jews in the US may be positively impacted during Trump’s second term.  Donald Trump’s first term provides an outline for expectations for Jews over the next 4 years.  Despite the emotion and political polarization, Jews must remain objective, positive and engaged as we begin the term of the 47^th president of the United States.  There is reason for positivity and hope.