New York, NY, May 5, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed a statement by Donald Trump that he “totally disavows” conspiratorial anti-Semitic remarks made by David Duke suggesting that “Jewish supremacists” were attempting to undermine his bid for the White House.
In a statement shared with various media outlets Thursday, Mr. Trump added: “Anti-Semitism has no place in our society, which needs to be united, not divided.”
“We believe it is vital for political leaders to use their bully pulpit to speak out against bigotry,” said Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO. “We felt it was important that Mr. Trump denounce the anti-Semitism of David Duke. It benefits the public conversation and the political process that the GOP nominee has made clear that he disavows anti-Semitism. As such, we hope that those among Mr. Trump's supporters will follow his lead and refrain from using anti-Semitic stereotypes or hateful language targeting any minority, whether because of their faith, origin, gender, ability or any other distinction in social media or other venues.”
Earlier today, after learning of David Duke’s anti-Semitic remarks on a radio program, ADL called on Trump to reject Duke’s remarks and to make clear that anti-Semitism has no place in political campaigns or in the public discourse.
As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, ADL takes no position on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for office.