Press Release

ADL Statement on the New Executive Order to Combat Antisemitism

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New York, NY, January 29, 2025 … ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) today welcomed the new executive order from the Trump Administration calling on every federal agency and department to review and report on civil and criminal actions available to fight antisemitism.

Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director, issued the following statement:

"We welcome this effort by President Trump to put the full force of the federal government against rising antisemitism in our country. Combating antisemitism requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are eager to see every federal agency and department take concrete measures to address this scourge. 

"We applaud the reaffirmation and expansion of EO 13899 originally signed by President Trump in 2019 to ensure the continued use of the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism, including its 11 contemporary examples, by the federal government. ADL strongly supports the IHRA Working Definition and has recommended its adoption to the Trump transition team and previous administrations. We are grateful that President Trump is taking bold action, demonstrating leadership, and implementing this policy.  

"Finally, ADL long has supported holding those accountable who harass, intimidate, or attack Jewish students, faculty and staff on college campuses. The increased enforcement of university policies already has started to make a significant difference in the campus environment — and more should be done. We hope that holding perpetrators accountable to the fullest extent of the law -- including, where applicable, violations of one's visa conditions -- will have a similar effect. While we applaud strong action and severe consequences for those who commit violent crimes or otherwise break the law, any immigration-related ramifications obviously must be consistent with due process and existing federal statutes and regulations. They also should not be used to target individuals for their constitutionally protected speech.

"ADL remains committed to working with the Trump Administration and policymakers across the political spectrum in the fight against antisemitism and hate."  


ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.