Presidents Who Engaged in Antisemitic Behavior or Tolerated Antisemitism in Their Administration

4. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933–1945)

• Mixed record: had Jewish advisors (e.g. Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau) and fought Hitler.
• Yet refused to admit many Jewish refugees before WWII, including turning away the MS St. Louis.
• Expressed private doubts about “Jewish influence” in government and finance.

5. Donald Trump (2017–2021)

• Frequently used dog whistles and stereotypes (e.g., telling a Jewish audience “you’re not going to vote for me because I don’t want your money”).
• Repeatedly elevated far-right figures known for antisemitism.
• Also: Strong supporter of Israel and had Jewish family members/advisors. This doesn’t cancel antisemitic language but complicates interpretation.