President Donald Trump on Tuesday told attorneys general from across the country that the recent rash of attacks and threats against Jewish institutions was “reprehensible” but suggested that it might not only reflect anti-Semitism, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.
Sometimes, the president said, "the reverse can be true," Mr. Shapiro said, recalling the conversation at the White House. "Someone's doing it to make others look bad."
Mr. Shapiro said he found the comment “a bit curious” and said Mr. Trump promised to speak about the topic in his address to Congress Tuesday night.
A White House official, speaking on the condition the official's name not be used, said Mr. Trump will directly address the threats against Jewish community centers in his speech and has consistently condemned such attacks.
"Hopefully he'll clarify a bit more about what he means about the reverse possibly being true," Mr. Shapiro said.
The comments came during a conversation between the president and state attorneys general, who are gathering in Washington. Mr. Shapiro, who is Jewish, took office last month. After the meeting, he quickly arranged a teleconference call with reporters to share what happened.
"Myself and many other (attorneys general) of both parties were a little bit surprised," he said.
Mr. Trump is scheduled to address Congress around 9 p.m.
First Published: February 28, 2017, 7:59 p.m.