Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi expressed criticism towards New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed. She criticized their views on Israel, describing their positions as “wrong” and not reflective of congressional Democrats.
The remarks from Pelosi came during an episode of the “On Brand” podcast hosted by Donny Deutsch. Deutsch, a Jewish man, questioned how he could support the Democratic Party while some politicians, like Mamdani and El-Sayed, made statements he perceived as antisemitic. He referenced when a politician denies Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, labeling such viewpoints as antisemitic.
In response, Pelosi emphasized, “It’s wrong. It’s wrong. And it isn’t a reflection of the Democrats in the Congress of the United States.” She expressed disappointment with Mamdani’s and El-Sayed’s perspectives but wished them well in their political careers.
Before becoming New York City mayor, Mamdani frequently avoided questions on whether Israel should be a Jewish state. In an interview with ABC News, Mamdani supported Israel’s equal rights but did not support it as a Jewish state. He stated, “I think any state that privileges one religion over the other is one that I can’t tell you I support, whether it be Israel or Saudi Arabia or anywhere else.”
Similarly, El-Sayed has not confirmed whether Israel has the right to exist as a Jewish state. During a meeting with Jewish supporters, he admitted struggling with the issue, suggesting a Jewish state does not align with liberal values upheld in the United States.
Pelosi told Deutsch she did not believe antisemitism was a significant issue within the Democratic Party. She acknowledged individuals sometimes make questionable statements, but she viewed these as exceptions rather than a norm.
Regarding the influence of individual politicians, Pelosi stated, “People represent their districts, and we have to respect that. However, that doesn’t mean it has an impact on the consensus of the Democratic Party.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, she added, clarified the party’s stance on this issue.
Rabbi Yaakov Menken from the Coalition for Jewish Values disagreed with Pelosi’s views, expressing concern over the recognition of antisemitism within the party. He acknowledged Pelosi as supportive of the Jewish community but found her lack of addressing the issue troubling.