Mark Levin praises Trump as 'first Jewish President’ to serve two terms at Hanukkah reception

Mark Levin earlier called Trump the 'first Jewish president' in 2019
Mark Levin listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Mark Levin listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)


WASHINGTON, DC: Fox News' Mark Levin showed his affection for President Donald Trump on Tuesday, December 16, as he praised the POTUS as the "first Jewish President" during the Hanukkah reception on Tuesday, December 16, while embracing him.

The Hanukkah Party is an annual reception held at the White House and is hosted by the POTUS and the first lady to recognize and celebrate the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

Mark Levin says Trump is 'the greatest President'

Speaking to a crowd of supporters at the White House Hanukkah event, Donald Trump invited Mark Levin to "say a couple of words".

The POTUS said, "Come here. And these people do like Israel". Levin took the podium, put his arm across Trump's shoulder, and said, "And he loves Israel too! Six years ago, I was up here, I said, this was our first Jewish president. Now he's the first Jewish president to serve 2 non-consecutive presidencies. We thank you for everything."

President Donald Trump (L) and Julie Strauss Levin (R) look on as conservative radio host Mark Levin (C) speaks during a Hanukkah Reception in the East Room of the White House on December 16, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump hosted attendees to celebrate the holiday and the lighting of the menorah on the third night of Hanukkah. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump and Julie Strauss Levin look on as conservative radio host Mark Levin speaks during a Hanukkah Reception in the East Room of the White House on December 16, 2025, in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Trump said, "Bad things happened on the second one. Namely, the election was rigged", as Levin interjected, saying, "and you are the greatest President. God bless you."

Trump concluded as he told Levin's wife, "Take care of that guy. Take care of that guy. He’s so great. Thank you, Mark, for both being here. Both really are amazing." 

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 15: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony for the presentation of the Mexican Border Defense Medal in the Oval Office of the White House on December 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. During the ceremony, Trump recognized the first 13 service members to receive the recently established Mexican Border Defense Medal (MBDM), which recognizes service members supporting Customs and Border Protection on the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony for the presentation of the Mexican Border Defense Medal in the Oval Office of the White House on December 15, 2025, in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Interestingly, Levin earlier called Trump the 'first Jewish president' in 2019, and said, "It’s an honor to be here with the first Jewish President of the United States. And if he isn’t, he should be."

However, despite supporting Trump, Levin has repeatedly criticized his administration over the past year, as he wrote in October that there were even "echos of Biden" in the White House.

Trump sends 'love and prayers' to people of Australia after Sydney tragedy

President Trump opened the White House Hanukkah celebration on Tuesday evening by sending "love and prayers" to the people of Australia after the tragic shooting incident at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.

Trump started the ceremony by paying tribute to the victims of Sunday’s mass shooting, which killed 15 people and injured 25 others.



Speaking from the East Room, The POTUS said, "Let me take a moment to send the love and prayers to our entire nation, to the people of Australia, and especially all those affected by the horrific and antisemitic te*****st attack."

"We're joined in mourning all of those who were killed, and we're praying for the swift recovery of the wounded, some are very horrifically wounded," the POTUS added.

Authorities said the suspects of the mass shooting are a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The older man was shot dead while his son was being treated in hospital.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

During his speech, Trump recalled how Melania became concerned about his health after watching one of his previous appearances
2026-10-23T06:06:36.000Z
Prosecutors proposed January 31, 2028, for Tyler Robinson’s trial, estimating 17 weeks of proceedings after rejecting an October 2027 start
2026-10-23T04:26:43.000Z
The DOJ is investigating Corey Lewandowski over alleged DHS contract profiteering, while Donald Trump says he has no knowledge of his actions
2026-10-23T03:41:46.000Z
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office did not publicly explain why Victor Romero was charged with manslaughter instead of murder
2026-10-23T02:29:23.000Z
Doctors are continuing to monitor Christa Pike's cognitive and psychological functioning
2026-10-23T01:52:00.000Z
Trump criticized LeBron James on Truth Social, accusing him of disrespecting the nation and those who died defending it
2026-10-22T21:15:27.000Z
With the woman receiving help in the stands, Vance temporarily shifted the focus away from politics and asked rallygoers to join him in prayer
2026-10-22T19:33:25.000Z
Karoline Leavitt added that Donald Trump was still reviewing potential candidates and that interest in the position remained considerable
2026-10-22T17:42:34.000Z
Trump has long spoken publicly about avoiding alcohol, citing his older brother Fred Trump Jr’s struggle with alcoholism
2026-10-22T17:01:25.000Z
Lindsay Clancy’s lawyer sought to determine if the juror lied, improperly used his phone during deliberations or ignored the judge’s instructions
2026-10-22T08:50:24.000Z