In a surprising political development, former Democratic Congressman Peter Deutsch, who represented Florida’s 20th Congressional District for six terms from 1993 to 2005, announced his endorsement of former President Donald Trump for the 2024 election. Deutsch, once a staunch Democratic lawmaker, cited his dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden’s handling of international conflicts as the primary reason for his endorsement.
Speaking during a call organized by the Trump campaign, Deutsch marked the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel by publicly declaring his support for Trump. He emphasized his concern over the Biden administration’s foreign policy, which he believes has endangered global stability.
“I am comfortable today announcing my support for Donald Trump for president,” Deutsch told The Hill, explaining that while he agrees with Trump on issues like immigration and school choice, his decision to endorse the former president stems largely from a desire to ensure global peace. “The driving factor for me is world peace,” he added.
Deutsch also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, stating that the “Harris-Biden administration” has made the world “a dramatically less safe place.” His remarks align with the Trump campaign’s recent critique of the Biden administration’s approach to foreign policy, particularly in relation to the conflict in the Middle East.
The announcement gave a perfect chance for Republicans to go after Democratic weaknesses in foreign policy, wrote The Daily Caller.
“The Trump campaign seized the moment to criticize Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their perceived weak stance toward Iran, a known backer of Hamas, and for allegedly failing to sufficiently support Israel in its ongoing conflict with the Palestinian militant group, the outlet reported.
Republican Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst also criticized Biden and Harris for their Middle East policy on the anniversary of Hamas’s Oct. 7 invasion of Israel, calling it “catastrophic.” She attributed the ongoing regional chaos to their actions, such as criticizing Israel, delisting the Houthis as terrorists and appeasing Iran.
U.S. and British forces conducted airstrikes on over a dozen Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday, in response to the group’s threats of increased military operations and a recent U.S. drone downing, officials told The Associated Press. The Houthis, known for their longstanding disruption in the Middle East, have recently intensified their efforts, including attacks on Israel and threatening Red Sea shipping lanes.”
Deutsch’s endorsement places him alongside other prominent Democrats who have broken ranks to support Trump, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. Trump has used his prior foreign policy accomplishments, such as moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and facilitating the Abraham Accords, as central campaign points. However, he has faced backlash for comments suggesting that Jewish voters who oppose him should “have their head examined” and implying they would be responsible if he lost the election.
