Is Trump Jewish? Clarifying the President’s Religious Background and Family Connections

Understanding Trump’s Religious Identity

A question that frequently emerges in discussions about Donald Trump is whether the former and current president is Jewish. The answer is straightforward: Donald Trump is not Jewish and has not converted to Judaism, with his Jewish ties coming through his daughter and son-in-law.

Trump was raised in his Scottish-born mother’s Presbyterian faith, and publicly identified with it for most of his adult life. Trump was confirmed at First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, Queens, in 1959, where he attended during his formative years. In October 2020, Trump stated that he no longer considered himself a Presbyterian and now identified as a non-denominational Christian.

The Trump Family’s Jewish Connections

Whilst Trump himself is not Jewish, his family has significant connections to the Jewish community. Ivanka Trump converted to Orthodox Judaism in 2009 before marrying Jared Kushner, who is Jewish by birth. Ivanka studied with Modern Orthodox teachers, adopted a Hebrew name and practices Orthodox observance, including keeping kosher and observing Shabbat.

Jared Kushner’s marriage to Ivanka created a household that practices Judaism and is raising their children in the Jewish faith. Trump has publicly acknowledged this family connection, with sources noting that the president has boasted on multiple occasions about ‘my Jewish grandchildren’.

Historical Family Ties to Jewish Community

The Trump family’s relationship with the Jewish community extends beyond Ivanka’s conversion. Fred Trump, Donald’s father who was a Lutheran land developer, donated the plot of land where a synagogue was built and contributed towards its construction. This relationship with Brooklyn’s Beach Haven Jewish Center exemplifies a long-standing connection between the Trump family and Jewish communities in New York.

Political and Cultural Significance

Trump’s family connections to Judaism have been politically significant throughout his presidency. Trump has publicly celebrated having a ‘Jewish daughter’ and his administration repeatedly emphasized pro-Israel policies and Jewish outreach. However, these connections remain a matter of debate, as sources show two perspectives: some view the family ties as sincere personal connections that informed policy; others see them as political cover or strategic signaling to pro-Israel constituencies.

The question ‘Is Trump Jewish?’ highlights the distinction between personal religious identity and family connections. Whilst Trump maintains his Christian faith, his daughter’s conversion and the family’s historical relationships with Jewish communities have created unique ties that continue to influence both his personal life and political career.