Carville Criticizes Jewish Donors for Abandoning Democrats While Defending Party's Israel Record

Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville has strongly pushed back against Jewish donors who say they are abandoning the Democratic Party over pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University and a perceived surge in antisemitism on college campuses.

Carville, known for his blunt and colorful commentary, criticized the rationale that campus protests are a valid reason to sever ties with the Democratic Party. "In my view, that makes no sense. You can't be for a Democrat because they're protesting against Biden? It's nonsense," Carville said in response to donors' concerns about student activism targeting President Joe Biden.

The controversy comes amid ongoing unrest at Columbia University and other schools, where students have vocally opposed U.S. support for Israel in its war against Hamas. The demonstrations have become a flashpoint for national debate, particularly as some prominent Democratic donors within the Jewish community cite these protests as grounds for shifting political allegiances.

Carville, however, argued that the Democratic Party has a longstanding record of supporting Israel, far more robust than what he described as the Republican Party's recent actions. “Which president was instrumental in the founding of the state of Israel? I happen to know Harry Truman. I happen to know he’s a Democrat,” Carville emphasized. He also credited Democratic leadership for key initiatives such as the Iron Dome missile defense system and previous efforts at Middle East peace, highlighting Barack Obama and Bill Clinton as pivotal figures.

Drawing sharp contrasts, Carville attacked the Republican Party and its leadership for associations with controversial figures. “I’ve never seen a Democrat have dinner with Kanye West and Nick Fuentes,” he said, alluding to Donald Trump’s well-publicized meeting with individuals widely condemned for antisemitic views. Furthermore, Carville singled out Elon Musk, a one-time Trump ally, for supporting Germany’s far-right Alternative für Deutschland party, which has been labeled extremist by German authorities.

Carville did not mince words when suggesting that donors’ motivations may go beyond concern over campus protests. On his podcast this week, he alleged that many are making the switch to the GOP "because they want their ‘f---ing tax cut.’” He reiterated his stance during the interview, insisting that protests at universities are not a legitimate reason to depart from a party with decades of pro-Israel credentials.

The issue has become a flashpoint in the 2024 election cycle, as students—a traditionally Democratic bloc—have organized protest votes and staged events outside Biden rallies in swing states, at one point chanting “Genocide Joe has got to go!” before Biden exited the race and endorsed Kamala Harris.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump’s administration has ratcheted up criticism of universities like Columbia, accusing them of violating federal law through what officials call "deliberate indifference" toward persistent anti-Israel activity.

The White House issued its own rebuke of Carville’s narrative. A spokesperson highlighted Trump's support among Jewish voters and his administration's executive orders targeting antisemitism, stating, “The Trump administration is the most pro-Israel and pro-Jewish in our nation’s history, and the President’s record stands as a testament to this commitment.”

As demonstrations continue and political rhetoric intensifies, the debate over loyalty, policy, and the impact of campus activism is poised to remain central as the November election approaches.