In 2016, I urged readers of this web forum to vote for Donald Trump. Given the alternative, Hillary Clinton, I had no doubt it was the correct call.
Still Trump was an “unknown”… never having served in political office and certainly an anomaly in Republican politics. He made many promises that excited the Conservative Base but would he deliver?
As his first term draws to a close I think it’s fair to review some of his accomplishments and policies, especially those that are important to the Observant Jewish community.
Rabbinical Endorsements:
Harav Shmuel Kamenetsky, of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, has stated unequivocal support for the re-election of Donald Trump.
Thirteen prominent Roshei Yeshiva and Chasidic leaders have signed a letter of appreciation to President Trump’s support of religious freedom.
Local Cleveland Rabbonim have also urged support for President Trump.
On Israel:
Trump has defied world opinion and moved the US embassy to Jerusalem. Several other countries followed as well.
He has recognized the Golan Heights as Israeli territory.
He’s also the first sitting US president to visit the Kotel an important symbolic gesture affirming Israel’s hegemony of the Temple Mount.
He has now negotiated Israeli peace deals with three formerly hostile Middle East countries, the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan. This when “conventional wisdom” said it would be impossible to do if Israel failed to come to terms with the Palestinian problem. It is rumored at this time that other Aab countries will soon follow suit in normalizing relations with Israel.
On International affairs:
Trump has removed the US from the disastrous Iran Deal, which the previous Obama/Biden administration created and inevitably set Iran on a course to develop nuclear weapons. He has imposed devastating sanctions against this terror regime, causing their GDP to collapse by 27%. This is crucial, as Iran is the primary financial sponsor of international terror. It subsidizes the terror group Hezbollah and Hamas, which threaten Israel on a daily basis.
He destroyed the ISIS Caliphate, killing their leader, Al Bahgdadi. He ordered the killing of Quasem Soleimani, the Iranian terror mastermind, responsible for the death of many Americans, Israelis and innocent Iraqis.
He has removed the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, which penalized American industry and did very little to curb greenhouse gas emissions from such major manufacturing polluting countries like India and China.
He has forced the European countries to contribute many more billions to NATO, as they were failing to meet their minimal obligations.
He delivered the tank-busting Javelin missile to Ukraine which was instrumental in dramatically reducing Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine.
His policies have reduced tension between North and South Korea. North Korea has not launched a ballistic missile since Trump engaged in diplomacy with them.
He brought back the remains of American POW’s and has successfully negotiated the release of American hostages from hostile nations like Turkey and Iran.
When Bashar Assad of Syria used chemical weapons against his own people, the Trump administration, in partnership with France and England, launched a barrage of Tomahawk missiles at Syrian military bases. Something the Obama/Biden administration threatened to do but never followed through.
On the Courts:
As Observant Jews, we place a high priority on social issues which are crucial to defining who we are as a country, and the society in which we will be raising our children.
Trump has now appointed three conservative judges to the Supreme Court, individuals who share similar ethics and morals to our own.
He has filled many Lower Federal Courts seats with conservative judges, ensuring a constitutional-committed judiciary for many years to come.
On the Sanctity of Life issue, something we cherish, Trump has emerged as a champion. He is the first president to attend and address a Pro-Life March in Washington.
On Border Security:
Trump has constructed a wall almost 400 miles in length, to curb illegal crossings, and human trafficking. For people who take the exploitation of women and children seriously, this is a major achievement, as it has reduced the illicit trade of humans and narcotics at our southern border.
He has also restricted access to the United States to citizens from countries that are high-risk and pose serious security issues for Americans.
On Trade:
Trump has renegotiated NAFTA, which was a job killing deal promoted by Clinton and the Democrats. The USMCA (US/Mexico/Canada) trade deal will favor the US manufacturing base and bring jobs back to the US.
He has penalized the Communist Chinese government for its unfair trade practices with the US. He has implemented tariffs, funds which are then sent to American farmers to help offset losses for their exports to China.
On Education:
Trump and the Republicans favor School Choice and School Vouchers. Many of us are direct beneficiaries of these programs as we live in failed public school districts. The financial relief on our families cannot be overstated.
On Taxes and Economy:
Trump has passed the largest tax cuts on families and reduced corporate tax rates. The results have been a booming economy which has benefited all. Prior to Covid-19, the country experienced an unprecedented economic growth surge and unemployment numbers fell to their lowest levels among minorities and women.
On Energy:
Under Trump, America, for the first time in its history, is energy independent and a net exporter of oil & natural gas.
Less dependence on foreign energy reduces tension with unsavory countries and is a national security achievement.
On Covid-19
Trump banned air travel from China and European countries to help curb the spread of the infection. He has followed all the conventional science even though it meant shutting down the economy and compromising his own political standing. He has sent financial relief to hurting families, and is prepared to send more, (but sadly his political opponents are blocking legislation, in an effort to hurt his re-election bid).
National Defense:
Believing that the best offense is a strong deterrent, he rebuilt the American military which had been devastated by the previous administration. To date, there has been no major war or outbreak of hostilities towards the US and its allies in his first term as president.
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Joe Biden’s record and campaign promises in brief.
• Threatens to ban fracking, causing the potential loss of thousands of American jobs, raising the cost of fuel, and jeopardizing energy independence.
• Promises to repeal the Trump Tax Cuts
• Promises to fast track 11 million-plus illegals to permanent citizenship.
• Supports the Green New Deal a radical remaking of our economy and priced in the trillions.
• Running mate Kamala Harris, has the most liberal voting record in the US senate. Biden’s cognitive decline, makes a Harris presidency a serious possibility.
• Will consider “Packing the Court“, IE, adding more Supreme Court Justices, to tilt the court in a Leftist direction.
• Has used racist and anti-Semitic slurs, mocked, fat-shamed and assaulted journalists at his events. He called black youth ‘super-predators’.
• Allegedly assaulted Tara Reade, a female staffer as senator. Though he denies it, she tells a very compelling story.
• Has exploited his political office for personal enrichment. Recent revelation corroborate allegations his son Hunter and brother James have had illicit dealings with enemy countries. This could compromise American security and international policy.
• Has refused to condemn Antifa and BLM, radical Leftist group which has caused much violence and destruction in our cities.
In summation: It is my belief that a Joe Biden presidency would be devastating to the American economy and our security. It would weaken our international standing and make us vulnerable to those seeking us harm.
It’s a risk not worth taking.
On November 3rd, please vote for Donald Trump and the Republican ticket.
Sara says
In all fairness, if you’re going to write an article about who to vote for, please compare the candidates equally and do not post lies. Biden states he is not against fracking. The tax cuts being repealed are only for those making above 400,000 a year, and his tax rate for that group is only 2% above the current rate. Trump tried to give a larger stimulus plan and the democrats liked it- the Republican senate wouldn’t vote on the 1.8 trillion dollar plan and went on recess instead of helping Americans. One cannot, in good faith, call out Biden on his sexual conduct without bringing up Trump’s, who has 25 allegations of assault and rape against him. Furthermore, the Hunter Biden story has no proof other than a laptop provided from a lawyer of Trump’s… a very reliable source. He has repeatedly and strongly condemned the rioting and looting. One cannot call out Biden for his racist slurs without doing the same for Trump, who had had far more. Please, stop posting lies. Both are terrible candidates, let’s not pretend that Trump has not invited the violence and increase of hate in the country.
J.R. says
Actually there is proof, the FBI has the laptop. Why has he not denied it. As far as fracking goes, there are plenty of videos out there to show you. Even in his debates with the dems he said multiple times he wants to stop fracking he wants to hurt the oil industry. You know how great it is not to have depend on the Arabs iran Russia and every one else for oil. Every one life depends on that oil even yours, if you don’t believe it. Look around you. Biden did not condemn the riots until his handlers told him to because he was starting to crash and burn.
As far as who is a racist Biden is shown at kkk member Senator Byrds funeral saying how great a person he was. Did you know the president has done more for blacks than any other president. Obama didn’t do anything important for the black except use them. Name one racist slur that the president has said. Listen to what he said without the media cutting his sentences and meaning. By the way did you know that his daughter and grand children are Jewish. Actually there are lot videos out there showing biden speaking in a pretty racist ways.
The tax cut that the president got for you put more money in your pocket. Biden wants to bail out the blue states like ny, cal, ill, ect. The president wants the stimulus ,he wants the money to help us not peloses friends. She is the one that keeps saying no for her own political reasons. Do you want the country to look like S.F her district. if you don’t know how it looks, check it out . Did you know unemployment was the lowest it ever was in all areas. The Reps said no because it is to much. there is already a lot money out they have not used. Why keep giving good money to be wasted. So in all fairness you really need to research allot better. I love this country and freedoms we have. If you vote for the socialist dems them you will loose that freedom. G-d Bless America. G-d Bless you and your family
Rafi says
Extremely biased opinion.
Amy Smith says
This convinces no one who wasn’t already convinced, makes Jews less safe by giving the impression we are aligned with a person so widely hated, and divides our community. Why would you post this?
Jessica Chavi Cohen says
I will add to the above post that calls out the untruths in this article.
1. Joe Biden has said over and over and over that he does not support the Green New Deal. He has been very clear that he and his policy team have a Biden Plan to combat climate change that is focused on growing the renewable energy industries to create more American jobs while reducing American dependence on fossil fuels. While the Green New Deal and the Biden Plan have some similarities – the accusation that Biden has adopted the entire Green New Deal is a tactic by the right to position Biden as more liberal than he is.
2. The accusation that Biden has exploited public office for his personal gain, as stated above, has been disproven by official investigations that have included Republican-led Congressional committees. And the fact that this accusation would be leveled at Biden, given Trump’s extensive actions to enrich himself over the course of the last four years is just laughable. In fact, in addition to using public money to hosts guests and parties and official government meetings at his own properties, just recently it was reported that Trump has used about 20% of his campaign money to pay his own family for campaign services. A quick google of “Trump enrich himself” will pull up many many articles covering this misuse of public money over the last four years.
3. The original poster doesn’t seem to understand how government works. Trump may support school vouchers, but school vouchers are a state-level governmental function and the Presidency has nothing to do with that. Our school vouchers here in Ohio are the result of state legislation. So vote for Republicans on the state level to ensure the continuation of school vouchers. But don’t be fooled that Trump has anything to do with that.
4.There is not enough time or room in this comment to list all the inaccuracies the original poster has claimed in terms of Trump’s covid-19 response. We have a covid-19 response on the level of a 3rd world country. While other countries are using rapid tests to reduce quarantine times and keep their economies moving, we barely have a functioning national test apparatus. Trump has politicized mask wearing the point where it has divided our country and is continuing the pandemic. Trump couldn’t even follow the conventional science of quarantining when he had covid-19, insisting that his secret service take him on a joyride outside the hospital to wave to the crowds. When our rabbonim have paskened that staying in quarantine is more important than davening in a minyan or the hundreds of others mitzvos we have had to give up when in quarantine – how can Torah Jews think that Trump’s complete disregard for the lives/health of his secret service agents, staff at the White House and others, is an example of someone who is leading by example??
5. Tax cuts – agreed with the above comment re: Biden’s plan. Also, does original poster realize that the Trump tax cuts are set to expire for all but the highest income earners in 2021???? Convenient timing yes. So maybe the original poster would benefit from reading the original tax plan before spreading misinformation about what he thinks are the ongoing benefits of the recent tax changes.
6. There is so much more but in the interest of time and space, I would point out that the Torah view on abortion is so much more incredibly nuanced than Christian evangelicals and the right-wing position on abortion. There are times when it is halachically permitted and sometimes halachically necessary to have a medical procedure that would, under many state laws, be termed abortion. To say that our beliefs align with that of the Republican party’s on abortion is false. Our Torah perspective has no political party. Should abortion be outlawed on the federal level, it would significantly affect our ability as observant Jews to exercise our religious freedoms when necessary. Again the original poster glosses over this important distinction.
Lastly, as someone who has worked for Congress at a time where the government was functioning, the national budget was barely in debt and it was a time of prosperity for the American people, I can say clearly that today after almost four years of a Trump presidency, our government is broken. The partisanship, the inability to pass policy, and the inability to keep Americans alive is astonishing. This is all under a Trump presidency. The idea that Biden, after 50 years as a moderate in the Democratic party, has suddenly become a socialist is laughable. I wish that people in our community would look for emes instead of regurgitating sad and incorrect right-wing talking points. As the people of the book, we are better than this and this article was more than disappointing in its lack of truth and actual information.
Ys says
You very conveniently left out the left’s glorifying gays and lgbt…..
All one must do is read Parshas Noach to understand that Hashem brought the Mabul on the world exactly because the non-Jews were doing what they are doing today. What does the Democratic platform actively support and glorify? Gays and abortion. Hashem said that gays are abomination and the punishment is death. A person who votes for Biden is as if they are going to Hashem and slapping Him in his face.
We do not take moral advice from anybody but our Gedolei Yisrael, and all of them have said that we should vote for Trump.
Jessica Chavi Cohen says
I worked for Agudath Israel about 10 years ago and personally attended the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah meeting where the Moetzes explicitly permitted the supporting of Democratic candidates despite their position on gay marriage. Another way to say it, a Democrat’s support for gay marriage does not m’akev a frum Jew’s support for that candidate. I heard it with my own ears, saw it with my own eyes and was there for the entire discussion – which was relatively short because the Moetzes did not see this as a shaila that required much discussion.
Given the above, you reasoning loses its entire premise.
me says
Thank you Mr. Schonfeld for taking the time to write this!! Amazing, detailed, truthful and to the point. We owe hakaras hatov to President Trump for everything he did for us and for Israel, with Hashem’s help.
Y.s says
Thank you Mr Shonfeld for standing up for the honer of Hashem !!
All one must do is read Parshas Noach to understand that Hashem brought the Mabul on the world exactly because the non-Jews were doing what they are doing today. What does the Democratic platform actively support and glorify? Gays and abortion. Hashem said that gays are abomination and the punishment is death. A person who votes for Biden is as if they are going to Hashem and slapping Him in his face.
In my opinion, anyone who considers himself Frum should be ashamed to publicly say that he is voting for somebody who stands for gays and abortion.
Let's be real says
Let’s be real! Both candidates are seriously flawed PEOPLE. Vote for the PARTY you support.