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Donald Trump has drawn widespread criticism after using the term “Palestinian” as an insult during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The president made the remark while taking aim at Senator Chuck Schumer, claiming the longtime Democrat had gone from being “100% for Israel” to a “very proud Palestinian.” The comment quickly sparked backlash, with critics accusing Trump of using Palestinian identity as a slur.

Donald Trump Revives ‘Palestinian’ Attack On Chuck Schumer

Yuri Gripas – Pool via CNP / MEGA

Trump’s use of “Palestinian” as a derogatory term for Chuck Schumer has drawn renewed criticism.

At the WHCD, the president launched into a rant against Schumer, claiming the senator was once “100% for Israel” but is now a “very proud Palestinian.”

The remark was not an isolated one. Trump has repeatedly used the term to target Schumer over the years.

One such instance came earlier this year, when he described the Senate minority leader as a “horrible politician” before once again calling him a “Palestinian.”

“He is registered as a Palestinian,” Trump said at the time. “He’s a proud… He’s taken the biggest turn of any human. He’s gone from totally pro-Israel to totally pro-Palestinian. He wants to protect the Iranian people that are quite nasty.”

Schumer Once Rejected Trump’s Claims Of Friendship

Kenny Holston – Pool via CNP / MEGA

Trump’s apparent disdain for Schumer may date back to the lead-up to the 2016 presidential election, when the real estate mogul was campaigning for his first term.

During an appearance on “Morning Joe” that year, Trump claimed he and Schumer were close in many ways and said he had “always been very good” with the Democratic senator.

However, Schumer appeared to reject that characterization later that year during an interview with Politico.

“He was not my friend. We never went golfing together, even had a meal together,” the senator said. “He’s called me, we’ve had civil conversations a couple of times. But I’ve got to see what he does.”

Trump Accused Schumer Of ‘Extortion’ In Fiery Post

Andrew Thomas / CNP /MediaPunch / MEGA

In August last year, the feud between Trump and Schumer escalated when Trump took to Truth Social to accuse the senator of delaying confirmation of his nominees.

“Politically embattled Senator, Cryin’ Chuck Schumer, wants the Republicans to pay, as EXTORTION, TWO BILLION DOLLARS in order for the Radical Left Democrats to approve the hundreds of Trump Appointments who have been waiting for months, and are raring’ to go,” Trump raged.

He went on to claim the delays were unprecedented before accusing Schumer and other Democrats of deliberately obstructing the confirmation process.

“THEY ARE EXTORTIONISTS!” the real estate mogul added. “Republicans must create legislation in order to get out of the grasp of these country-hating THUGS. Move quickly!!! MAGA”

Schumer Warned Trump Was A ‘Threat’ To Democracy

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The following month, Schumer turned the tables on Trump, accusing the president of pressuring then-Attorney General Pam Bondi to launch investigations into his political opponents.

“I think it’s a real threat to democracy,” Schumer told CNN. “The Justice Department has always been a very, very strong civil service, no matter who was in charge, a Democrat or Republican. They went after law violators without fear or favor.”

“He’s turning it into an instrument that goes after his enemies, whether they’re guilty or not — and most of them are not guilty at all — while helping his friends.”

Further criticizing Trump, Schumer claimed the president was on a “path to a dictatorship” and vowed that he and his fellow Democrats would use every legal means available to resist what he described as political pressure.

Schumer Vows To Fight Trump’s Latest ‘Power Grab’

Throughout 2026, Schumer has continued to denounce Trump’s actions through press conferences and official statements.

Earlier this month, Schumer criticized Trump’s decision to fire the three remaining members of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission just ahead of the midterm elections.

“Firing every remaining member of the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission months before the midterms is a brazen attempt to seize control of our elections before a single vote is cast. He is gutting the independent agency that certifies voting systems and helps election officials run secure elections,” Schumer said in a statement.

The Democratic senator once again vowed that he and his colleagues would push back against Trump to ensure the midterm elections remain free and fair.

“Senate Democrats will fight this power grab at every turn. The American people—not Donald Trump—will decide the 2026 election,” Schumer added.

The Donald Trump Triggers Backlash After Calling Chuck Schumer A ‘Palestinian’ At WHCD first appeared on The Blast