STORY: U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday (December 16) hosted a Hanukkah reception at the White House, where he pledged continued support for Jewish Americans and condemned antisemitism.

Speaking during the third night of the Jewish festival, Trump referenced the historical persecution of the Jewish people and said discrimination persists today, including on college campuses. He said his administration was addressing such issues through the Justice Department.

“As President of the United States, I will always support Jewish Americans,” Trump said, adding that he would remain “a friend and a champion to the Jewish people.”

Trump sent "love and prayers" to the victims of Sunday's (December 14) deadly shooting on Australia's Bondi Beach.

He told attendees on Tuesday they were “protected” and praised the resilience and faith of the Jewish community. The event concluded with the lighting of a menorah by Rabbi Levi Shemtov, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Holocaust survivors.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VIDEO SHOWS: U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP PARTICIPATING IN A HANUKKAH RECEPTION AT THE WHITE HOUSE / SOUNDBITES FROM TRUMP

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (DECEMBER 16, 2025) (U.S. NETWORK POOL - No use USA)

1. U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP ENTERING ROOM AND APPROACHING LECTERN

2. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“Well, I'm thrilled to welcome so many good friends to the White House as we celebrate the third night of Hanukkah. Third night, time flies.”

3. TRUMP SPEAKING

4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“For thousands of years, the miracle of Hanukkah has reminded us of God's love for the Jewish people, as well as their enduring resilience and faith in the face of centuries of persecution. Centuries. And it continues. It continues. Who would believe this could continue? And it sort of started here with schools and universities and (Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights) Harmeet (Dhillon) is taking care of that situation very strongly at the Department of Justice.”

5. TRUMP SPEAKING

6. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and antisemitic terrorist attack. And that's exactly what it is, antisemitic, that took place on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney. What a terrible, terrible thing we don't learn. We're joined in mourning all of those who were killed. And we're praying for the swift recovery of the wounded. Some are very horrifically wounded, as you probably know. All nations must stand together against the evil forces of radical Islamic terrorism. And we're doing that.”

7. TRUMP SPEAKING

8. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“As President of the United States, I will always support Jewish Americans. And I will always be a friend and a champion to the Jewish people. I have been.”

9. TRUMP SPEAKING

10. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT, DONALD TRUMP, SAYING:

“But the story of Hanukkah reminds us that the light will always prevail over darkness and faith and triumph over fear. Together, let us honor the eternal flame and the faith that has always protected the Jewish people. You are protected. You are special, special people. You are special people.”

11. TRUMP ENDING SPEECH

12. RABBI LEVI SHEMTOV, U.S. SECRETARY OF COMMERCE HOWARD LUTNICK AND HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS LIGHTING MENORAH

13. MENORAH CANDLES BURNING

14. TRUMP POSING FOR PICTURE NEXT TO RABBI SHEMTOV / TRUMP EXITING ROOM