During an appearance on Fox News Channel on Wednesday, Auburn University head basketball coach Bruce Pearl offered praise for President Donald Trump for his fight against antisemitism and his support for the existence of Israel.
Pearl argued that his standing at Auburn University proved that the United States was the "greatest country in the world."
"You have been tireless, tireless in your support of the Jewish faith," host Todd Piro said. "But, as someone employed in the college and university system, why do you keep sticking your neck out in a system where, quite frankly, antisemitism seems to be the tail that wags the dog in so many schools across our country?"
"Well, Todd, it's great to be with you this morning," Pearl replied. "I keep sticking my neck out because I love my country. I'm a Jewish-American basketball coach coaching in Auburn, Alabama. Don't tell me this is not the greatest country in the world. There is just a lot of bad information out there. I believe in the freedom of speech, but I also understand that these kids are misinformed. And so, part of my Jewish faith and my heritage is to speak the truth. It's historical truth. There is biblical truth. And the lies and propaganda, there needs to be somebody in this country standing up and fighting against this antisemitism."
"And that certainly is you, among others," Piro said. "Do you feel as though the tide is turning over the Trump administration over the course of the last couple months to root out antisemitism, not just from our schools and university but from our country on the whole."
Pearl said, "I do, Todd. I think President Trump has taken a really strong stand. He has seen this is wrong. We would not be tolerating this on college campuses if they were targeting African Americans or if they were targeting women or somebody else. Somehow, it's OK to target the Jews. And President Trump said it's not OK. And President Trump has taken a real leadership in his position in the Middle East. I'm glad he is negotiating with Iran. And giving them the opportunity to dismantle their nuclear weapons program — because, if they don't and if they refuse, and he has given them some time, Israel is going to have no choice but to take care of that. Iran would already have a nuclear weapon if it weren't for Prime Minister Netanyahu fighting to make sure that they didn't. And so I'm very grateful to President Trump for his leadership. There has been no greater president supporting the state of Israel and the fight against antisemitism than Donald Trump."
Jeff Poor is the editor-in-chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
