Trump Worries Congress Is Turning Antisemitic During Hanukkah, Suggests New White House Ballroom Cost

President Trump's Remarks at Hanukkah Celebration Highlight Concerns Over Congressional Behavior

During a Hanukkah celebration at the White House on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump expressed concerns about the growing antisemitism in Congress. He also made a surprising comment about the cost of the White House ballroom, suggesting it could now reach $400 million, double its original price tag.

Trump used most of his speech to highlight his achievements for Israel, but he shifted to a more serious tone when addressing the declining influence of the Jewish community in Washington. He claimed that the Jewish lobby, once the strongest in the city, no longer holds the same power.

“I will always be a friend and a champion to the Jewish people,” Trump said. “If you go back 10, 12, 15 years ago, at the most, the strongest lobby in Washington was the Jewish Lobby. It was Israel. That’s no longer true.”

He warned attendees that the Congress is becoming increasingly antisemitic, specifically mentioning representatives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar. Trump alleged that Omar "hates Jewish people," adding that there has been a significant shift in attitudes toward the Jewish community.

“You have to be very careful. You have a Congress in particular, which is becoming antisemitic. You have AOC plus three; you have those people. Ilhan Omar, she hates Jewish people. And you have to be very careful, because there’s been a big change,” Trump claimed.

The Post reached out to Rep. Ilhan Omar’s office for comment.

The event was primarily attended by Republican loyalists, although a few liberal lawmakers, such as Rep. Jared Moskowitz, were present.

Trump continued to express his frustration with those who downplay the atrocities committed by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, massacre. He also criticized the deadly attack against a Jewish celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia, over the weekend.

“Please be vigilant and careful,” he pleaded.

During his speech, Trump touched on various topics, including the White House ballroom. He mentioned that the cost of the ballroom had increased significantly, stating it would now cost $400 million.

“A $400 million [ballroom],” he added. “It’ll be the most beautiful ballroom, and it’ll handle inaugurations. It’s got five-inch-thick glass windows. Impenetrable by anything but a howitzer. It’s impenetrable.”

“Now I will say, if I’m up making the speech some day and I hear ding, ding, ding, I’m out of there,” he added. “I think it’ll be the greatest ballroom anywhere in the world.”

Earlier in the day, a federal judge rejected a bid from preservationists to block the construction of the ballroom. Trump responded with a sharp remark, saying, “But I said, ‘Who else but in our country would sue to stop a $400 million beautiful ballroom?'”

When the White House first unveiled the design for the luxurious ballroom over the summer, the initial estimate was $200 million. This was later increased to $300 million. Tuesday marked the first time Trump publicly raised the price tag to $400 million.

During his wide-ranging speech, Trump noted that, unlike his other remarks at White House holiday gatherings, he made sure to rely on notes to highlight all the achievements he has made with Israel. However, he still found time to go off-script and make jokes.

“You know, when you fall, it’s not good for politics,” he mused at one point, before alluding to former President Joe Biden. “We had a man that fell a lot. I don’t want to talk too much, because I’ll have my day I’m sure.”

“They’re waiting, the press,” he continued. “Oh, would they like to see Trump trip off the stage. I would never live it down.”