U.S. Senator Tom Cotton spoke at the Republican Jewish Coalition Symposium on Antisemitism on March 10, addressing concerns about rising antisemitism and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Cotton said the event was timely given current global affairs and thanked organizers for their efforts against antisemitism. He referenced historical and contemporary figures associated with antisemitic rhetoric, stating, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Cotton said that while some are worried about a rise in antisemitism among certain right-leaning influencers, he does not consider those who traffic in such views to be part of his political movement.
He questioned the influence of these so-called “influencers,” arguing that they do not hold sway over key leaders or mainstream Republicans. Cotton said, “They are at least not influential with Donald Trump, who continues to reject their kooky advice. They’re not influential with Republicans in the Senate… Indeed, self-identified MAGA Republicans are more supportive in general of the President’s foreign policy than self-identified traditional Republicans.”
Cotton praised former President Donald Trump as “the most philosemitic President ever” and highlighted Trump’s support for Israel and condemnation of antisemitism. He also discussed recent U.S. military actions against Iran, expressing condolences for Americans and others killed during conflicts involving Iran’s regime. Cotton outlined objectives including destroying Iran’s missile forces and preventing its nuclear ambitions: “We can never allow such lunatics to have a nuclear weapon and we put an end to their ambitions last June when our Air Force, combined with the Israeli Defense Forces destroyed their nuclear program…”
He described ongoing operations targeting Iranian military assets and expressed hope that Iran would no longer pose a threat to the United States or its allies. Cotton concluded by acknowledging uncertainty ahead but predicted that U.S. actions would strengthen security in the region: “I predict that when all is said and done because of these actions once again, we will be the strongest and most powerful nation in the region… everyone who lives within shooting distance of Iran will be grateful for what the United States and Israel has done in these days.”
