Friday, February 28, 2025, 9:18PM |  51°
MENU
Advertisement
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said he found President Donald Trump's remarks about the vandalism of Jewish cemeteries
1
MORE

Trump to AGs: Attacks on Jewish sites could be 'to make others look bad'

William Moree

Trump to AGs: Attacks on Jewish sites could be 'to make others look bad'

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. 

Advertisement

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.

President Donald Trump addresses a joint session of Congress on Capitol Hill.
Tracie Mauriello
Trump touts 'America first' in address to Congress

"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.

Advertisement

Mr. Trump is scheduled to address Congress around 9 p.m.

First Published: February 28, 2017, 7:59 p.m.

RELATED
Stacy Silver is overcome with emotion as she searchers for loved ones' headstones at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Philadelphia.
Stephanie Farr and Chris Palmer
Families, police and state officials seek answers in vandalism of Jewish cemetery
SHOW COMMENTS (0)  
Join the Conversation
Commenting policy | How to Report Abuse
If you would like your comment to be considered for a published letter to the editor, please send it to letters@post-gazette.com. Letters must be under 250 words and may be edited for length and clarity.
Partners
Advertisement
President Donald Trump, right, meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office at the White House, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in Washington
1
news
Zelenskyy leaves White House without signing minerals deal after Oval Office blowup with Trump
The Downtown skyline with the Fort Pitt Bridge on Thursday, May 30, 2024.
2
opinion
Brandon McGinley: Is Pittsburgh doomed?
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, center, and teammates run the 'Tush Push' play during an playoff game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia.
3
sports
Ray Fittipaldo: The Packers are right. The NFL should ban the 'Tush Push'
Parishioners pray for the health of Pope Francis at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.
4
news
Pope had coughing fit, inhaled vomit and his prognosis remains guarded, Vatican says
Co-owners Mary Mancini Hartner and her son, Nick, stand  in front of the original mixer at Mancini’s Bakery in Stowe.
5
life
Iconic Eats: Stowe-based Mancini’s Bakery has been feeding the area since 1926
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro said he found President Donald Trump's remarks about the vandalism of Jewish cemeteries "a bit curious."  (William Moree)
William Moree
Advertisement
LATEST news
Advertisement
TOP
Email a Story