Here’s what President Trump had to say.
President Donald Trump delivered a sobering warning during a White House Hanukkah celebration Tuesday night, saying antisemitism is growing inside Congress while reaffirming his long-standing support for Israel and the Jewish people.
The president’s remarks came during a holiday reception attended mostly by Republican allies, with a small number of Democrats present. While much of the speech focused on Trump’s record on Israel, he paused at several points to express concern about what he described as a troubling cultural and political shift in Washington.
Trump Warns Congress Is Turning Against Israel
Trump told guests that support for Israel in Washington is no longer what it once was.
“I will always be a friend and a champion to the Jewish people,” Trump said. He argued that just a decade ago, pro-Israel voices were among the most influential forces in the nation’s capital — but that influence has weakened.
According to Trump, the change is most visible in the House of Representatives, where progressive Democrats have taken increasingly hostile positions toward Israel.
“You have a Congress, in particular, that is becoming antisemitic,” Trump warned, citing far-left lawmakers whom he said openly oppose Israel.
He added that while the Senate has been slower to follow the same path, signs of a shift are beginning to emerge there as well.
“You have a lot of people in Congress that don’t like Israel,” Trump said. “And it’s getting worse.”
Condemning Terror and Antisemitic Violence
The president also addressed efforts by some activists and media figures to minimize the brutality of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel.
Trump strongly condemned those attempts and referenced a recent violent attack targeting a Jewish celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia. He warned that antisemitism is no longer confined to isolated incidents but is becoming more visible worldwide.
“Please be vigilant and careful,” Trump urged.
White House Ballroom Cost Doubles to $400 Million
During the wide-ranging speech, Trump also revealed new details about the highly anticipated White House ballroom project.
The president appeared to confirm for the first time that the cost of the ballroom may reach $400 million, doubling the original estimate announced earlier this year.
Trump described the ballroom as a world-class facility designed to host presidential inaugurations, state dinners, and major national events. He emphasized that security would be a top priority.
“It will have five-inch-thick glass,” Trump said. “Impenetrable by anything but a howitzer.”
Despite the soaring price tag, Trump said the ballroom would ultimately be “the greatest anywhere in the world.”
Earlier Tuesday, a federal judge rejected an effort by preservation groups to temporarily block construction. Trump criticized the lawsuit, questioning why anyone would oppose a project he described as a major improvement to the White House.
From $200 Million to $400 Million
When the ballroom was first announced, the projected cost was $200 million. That estimate later rose to $300 million. Trump’s remarks Tuesday marked the first public acknowledgment that the final price could climb even higher.
While Trump relied on prepared notes to highlight his administration’s pro-Israel accomplishments, he still made time for off-the-cuff humor — including a subtle jab at former President Joe Biden.
“When you fall, it’s not good for politics,” Trump joked, referencing Biden’s repeated public stumbles during his presidency. He added that the media would eagerly seize on any similar moment involving him.
“They’re waiting,” Trump said. “They would love to see Trump trip off the stage.”
A Warning Wrapped in Humor
The speech blended humor with a serious message, as Trump used the Hanukkah celebration to warn about rising antisemitism, defend America’s alliance with Israel, and reinforce his image as a leader willing to confront uncomfortable political realities.
For many in attendance, the message was clear: Trump sees the fight against antisemitism — at home and abroad — as far from over.