Trump: I Made Israel Embassy Move for Evangelicals

Speaking at a campaign rally in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, President Trump said his decision to move the embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv was done largely to please evangelical Christians, saying they were “more enthusiastic” than the Jews were.

This would be an important topic in Wisconsin, where evangelical Protestants are about 22% of the population, and Jews are only about 1%. His other visits touch states with similar demographics like Minnesota.

At the time, Trump insisted the recognition was “necessary” for peace. It seems less important, ultimately, in battleground states where the Israel lobby holds minimal sway, and where encouraging high evangelical turnout is seen as a big campaign goal.

Certain moves on behalf of Israel are seen by some evangelical factions as proof that President Trump is “chosen” to lead, a notion his administration does not appear worried about dispelling. If anything, he seems to be steering heavily into it during these rallies.