President Donald Trump veered far off topic during a White House Hanukkah reception on December 16, 2025, mixing holiday remarks with warnings about congressional antisemitism, boasts about a costly White House ballroom project, and jokes about running for a third term.
The event, held in the East Room of the White House on Tuesday night, featured Trump interrupting his prepared remarks to address a medical episode in the crowd, calling for a doctor before continuing with a wide-ranging speech that touched on everything from university antisemitism to construction costs.
Trump warned attendees that Congress is becoming antisemitic, singling out Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar by name. Trump stated that Ilhan Omar hates Jewish people, adding that the power of the Jewish lobby and Israeli lobby is fading.
The president referenced the December 14 Bondi Beach, Australia Hanukkah attack that killed 15 people. Trump pledged support for Jewish people and denounced radical Islamic terrorism.
Among the attendees were prominent figures, including Howard Lutnick, Rabbi Levi Shemtov, and conservative talk show host Mark Levin. Levin, who called Trump the first Jewish president, drew applause from the crowd.
The evening took an unusual turn when megadonor Miriam Adelson suggested Trump could run for a third term. Trump joked in response to a $250 million donation, as the crowd chanted “four more years.”
Trump devoted considerable time to discussing his administration’s planned White House ballroom, revealing construction costs that have ballooned beyond initial estimates. The president disclosed the project would cost $400 million, up from an initial estimate of $200 million and a revised estimate of $300 million.
Trump described the structure’s 5-inch thick glass windows. The president acknowledged that a federal judge rejected preservationists‘ requests for a restraining order to block the ballroom construction.
The president also turned his attention to universities, warning about what he characterized as rising antisemitism on campuses. Trump specifically targeted Harvard, declaring that Harvard will pay a lot of money as his administration continues discussions with universities.
Trump referenced a ceasefire agreement with Hamas and vowed continued support for Israel, while also highlighting Representative Jared Moskowitz among the attendees. The president emphasized his administration’s record on Israel.
Throughout the speech, Trump oscillated between prepared remarks honoring the meaning of Hanukkah and impromptu commentary on various political topics. He paused at one point to stop his comments and call for a doctor when someone in the crowd appeared to need medical attention.
The event reflected Trump’s characteristic speaking style, mixing solemn commemoration with political grievances and self-promotion. The president began by noting the historical significance of Hanukkah, describing how a small band of Jewish fighters defended their right to worship freely against overwhelming odds.
Trump used the occasion to reinforce his political messaging about threats to Jewish Americans, both from overseas terrorism and what he described as domestic antisemitism in Congress and universities. His warnings about declining Jewish political influence marked a departure from typical holiday reception remarks.
The ballroom discussion consumed significant time during the speech, with Trump detailing construction plans and costs in unusual detail for a religious celebration.
The White House Hanukkah reception has become an annual tradition, but Trump’s 2025 version stood out for its blend of holiday observance, policy discussion, and personal tangents.
Adelson’s suggestion about a third term drew enthusiastic responses from supporters in the room. The exchange about campaign donations underscored the close relationship between Trump and major Republican donors.
The president’s comments about congressional antisemitism targeted progressive Democrats who have been critical of Israeli government policies. Trump framed their positions as hatred of Jewish people rather than policy disagreements, a characterization that has drawn controversy throughout his political career.
As the reception concluded, Trump reiterated his commitment to supporting Jewish Americans and Israel, positioning himself as a defender against what he described as growing threats. The event captured national attention not only for its religious significance but for the president’s characteristic departure from traditional holiday messaging.
